15 years ago, “Iron Man” was released in theaters - and it was the Marvel Studios movie that not only made Robert Downey Jr. into Tony Stark and the Armored Avenger, but jumpstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we know it today! Directed by Jon Favreau, this superhero movie was instrumental in turning the then B-list Marvel superhero into a household name, and with his own solo film began “The Infinity Saga” - which played out in three phases that lead to the formation of the Avengers and introduced more heroes that converged to fight against Thanos as he wielded the might of the Infinity Stones!
As someone who saw it in theaters when it opened in April 30, 2008 in the Philippines (it opened on May 2 of that year in the US), I can’t believe we’ve come this far with the MCU and how this film has stood the test of time and remained one of my favorite superhero movies! I’ve collected toys, books, souvenirs, and yes even the poster from the film - and it remains timeless parts of my collection to this day.
Check out my TikTok video reminiscing this MCU film that started it all: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS8wMoq7c/
While the world is dealing with trying times right now, we still honor and celebrate some important special days - including the birthday weekend of one of the most talented and prolific actors of the modern age, Robert Downey Jr.!
Celebrating his 55th birthday this April 4th, the man is a perfect example of a guy who literally turned things around and made a comeback in his life and Hollywood career, with his most memorable role being the Armored Avenger himself - Iron Man! Playing the lead role of Tony Stark, he's been at the start of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with 2008's "Iron Man", serving as the figurehead that rallied up the rest of the superheroes and being one of the founding members of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the Avengers. Through the course of ten films, RDJ's portrayal and character evolution as Iron Man has gained a lot of fans and given the character new recognition and prominence in popculture - as well as making the ultimate sacrifice to save the world and bring back the heroes lost to Thanos in last year's "Avengers Endgame". In fact, last year's D23 Expo saw a little "We Love You 3000" Iron Man poster drawn by the one and only Ryan Meinderding - a fitting tribute to the legacy of the character who began the MCU!
(Marvel) Tony Stark | You can rest now
Beyond the role of Iron Man, RDJ is also quite busy with other endeavors and roles, having just starred as Dr. Dolittle in this year's "Dolittle" and possibly returning as Sherlock Holmes in a new sequel film alongside Jude Law. However, he's slated to play the role of Tony Stark/ Iron Man again and make an appearance in the upcoming "Black Widow" solo film headlined by Scarlett Johansson.
Through those words and the cinematic origin story told by Marvel Studios, a former B-Lister Marvel Comics superhero and founding member of the Avengers turned into a global blockbuster sensation in 2008. A gamble to usher in a cinematic universe with a returning and sober Robert Downey Jr. paid off, as Tony Stark and the Marvel Cinematic Universe was born and the very first "Iron Man" film directed by Jon Favreau was released on this day 11 years ago!
Iron Man (Trailer) | 2008
Now we have reached the literal Endgame 22 films in the making with "Avengers: Endgame". THANK YOU IRON MAN for helping start the journey!
Genius. Billionaire Playboy. Philanthropist... And now BIRTHDAY BOY OF 50.
Celebrating his 50th Birthday this April 4th, 2015, Iron Man star, Tony Stark himself, and Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr. just turned the big 50 today! Here's wishing the man with style and profile in the Marvel Cinematic Universe many happy returns!
Of course, he does Ol' Shellhead in style... Everytime.
Iron Man 2 Movie Clip: Sky Dive
Besides his adventures on the Big Screen, RDJ is also known for contributing his time to charities... Such as this recent one with The Collective where he helped give a kid a bionic arm!
The Collective Project: Robert Downey Jr. Delivers a Real Bionic Arm
So again... Happy Birthday RDJ! See him appear next in Avengers: Age of Ultron in a few weeks!
After rumors, speculation, and wonder as to what the future of Tony Stark and Iron Man would be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe following Robert Downey Jr.'s latest adventure this year with Iron Man 3, Marvel has officially given the word:
RDJ WILL RETURN AS TONY STARK IN THE AVENGERS 2 & THE AVENGERS 3.
That being said, that clears up the worries and we'll be seeing more RDJ/ Tony with Earth's Mightiest Heroes starting with the 2015 sequel to the 2012 blockbuster team up that was "The Avengers".
No word on whether RDJ's suiting up for more solo Iron Man adventures, but this is already awesome news as it is. Maybe somewhere down along the line, but with the other big guns of Marvel, that's a great start for Downey's comeback as Ol' Shellhead.
