Given how massive and influential the MCU has become over the years, it's amazing that it all started with 2008's Iron Man. The film brought together a hero that was far from a household name with an actor who was a big question mark in Hollywood. It proved to be a match made in movie heaven.
The film tells the story of Tony Stark's evolution from self-obsessed billionaire to one of Earth's mightiest heroes. While we had to say goodbye to Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame, we can still look back on his first adventure. Here are the most memorable quotes from Iron Man.
Absolutely Ridiculous. I Don't Paint
The casting of Robert Downey Jr. as a superhero was surprising to many at the time. Now it's impossible to picture anyone else in that role. Downey Jr. was the perfect combination of humor and swagger and set the tone for the MCU to follow.
In one of his first scenes, Downey Jr.'s quick wit is on full display. A reporter mentions he has been called the DaVinci of our times and Stark quips back, "Absolutely ridiculous, I don't paint." It didn't take long to fall for this guy.
Yeah, I Can Fly
One of the most entertaining aspects of the film is watching Tony Stark create the Iron Man armor and gradually become the titular hero. We get to see his genius at work as well as his bold determination to push boundaries, which became a big part of the character.
After a few failed tests and some injuries, Tony perfects his repulsors and actually manages to fly. It is a great moment of a small yet significant step in the birth of Iron Man and Tony's arrogant self-admiration afterward is perfect.
I Do Anything And Everything Mr. Stark Requires. Including Occasionally Taking Out The Trash
One of the most underrated aspects of the Iron Man films is Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts. Her chemistry with Downey Jr. is excellent and she balances the graceful professional with a great sense of humor.
For this first adventure, Pepper is Tony's right-hand woman who he couldn't live without. During her first scene, we see that she can throw jabs as well as her boss after Tony's date from the night before tries to throw some shade and Miss Potts. Pepper's comeback is one of the most epic smackdowns in the MCU.
Don't Waste It
After Tony is captured by the terrorist organization known as the Ten Rings, he meets a fellow prisoner named Yinsen. Together, the two men form a bond and begin building a weapon to escape with.
During their escape, Yinsen sacrifices himself to save Tony. As he dies, Tony thanks him for saving his life, and Yinsen tells him "Don't waste it." Those simple words helped to make Iron Man into the hero he became, ultimately becoming a man willing to sacrifice himself as well.
Let's Face It, This Is Not The Worst Thing You've Caught Me Doing
The banter between Tony and Pepper is among the most entertaining aspects of the film. It is clear these two have a long history together which is why they can annoy each other so much while still loving each other.
When Tony returns from his first full mission as Iron Man, Pepper walks in on the bizarre sight of him getting the armor taken off by his machines. Her look of horrified confusion and his quick one-liner says a lot about their relationship.
I Prefer The Weapon You Only Have To Fire Once
Even with his charm and humor, Tony Stark is not always an easy man to root for, especially in this first film. We get to see his life before becoming a hero and his career as a weapons manufacturer. He is willfully blind to what his weapons are used for which makes his character that much more interesting.
As he presents his new Jericho missile to the army in an early scene, he gives a perfect summary of his philosophy. While this makes him sound like an irresponsible warmonger, it also serves as his philosophy as a hero in protecting the world.
Next Time Baby
The MCU has done a pretty amazing job keeping a consistent cast throughout all of their movies. However, rewatching Iron Man reminds viewers of one early casting issue with Terrence Howard originally playing James 'Rhodey' Rhodes. Howard is solid in the role and even gets to tease the future of War Machine.
It was pretty risky to be setting up sequels at this point, but Marvel clearly knew they had a hit on their hands. Rhodey's glance at the silver armor and promising "Next time, baby" is a cool fan service moment, even if another actor eventually wears it in the end.
Tony Stark Was Able To Build This In A Cave! With A Box Of Scraps!
While the early villains in the MCU were not always great, Jeff Bridges provides a fun antagonist with Obadiah Stane, Tony's mentor, and eventually backstabber. Though Stane is equally ambitious, he does not have the same talent to replicate the Iron Man technology.
As his men try to tell Stane that the technology doesn't exist, Stane yells at them that it didn't seem to be a problem for Stark. It is a reminder of Stark's unique brilliance as well as an opportunity for Bridges to let loose.
I'm Here To Talk To You About The Avengers Initiative
With this one line, the universe opened up and movie history was made. If delivering a totally fun and exhilarating superhero adventure wasn't enough, Iron Man had one more trick up its sleeve as Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) showed up to tease the Avengers in the post-credit scene.
Not only did this moment cement post-credit scenes as vital to the MCU but it helped to introduce the idea of the MCU overall. Fans couldn't have imagined all these heroes sharing the big screen together, so this moment was suitably mind-blowing.
I Am Iron Man
Iron Man achieved something rare for a superhero. They made a hero who was just as interesting outside of the costume as he was inside the costume. That is what makes this ending so wonderful and introduces a new kind of superhero.
Instead of playing the secret identity game, Tony Stark and Iron Man are one and the same and this becomes the mantra for the character. It instantly makes viewers want to jump right in for more adventures with Tony Stark aka Iron Man.