The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a live-action series based on American comic books published by Marvel Comics, has been leading Hollywood movies in the 2010s. The first hero to appear in the series was Iron Man. Iron Man was one of the main characters in numerous films, culminating in “Endgame,” the culmination of Phase 3. The last solo movie for Iron Man is “Iron Man 3.”
The Final Chapter of the “Iron Man” Series
“Iron Man 3” is the final chapter of the “Iron Man” series, released in theaters in 2013. Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, is one of the main characters in the “Infinity Saga” and has a strong presence. Therefore, it was surprising that this film was his last solo film as the protagonist. Looking at it through the lens of the MCU’s unique “Phase” system, this film is the first work of Phase 2 and is very early in the saga as a whole.
However, in terms of content, it functions properly as the final installment of the trilogy. Tony’s growth as the hero Iron Man is depicted symbolically, and the confrontation with the “Ten Rings,” who have had a long-standing rivalry with Tony since the first film, is also incorporated. Past events are also depicted, so even minor lines from the first and second films are neatly tied up as plot threads. The romance with Pepper has also become stronger. Perhaps most importantly, the successful heart surgery to remove the missile fragments and detach the Arc Reactor from his chest symbolizes an inevitable culmination of Iron Man as a hero, making the story feel neatly resolved. Of course, the series’ signature Iron Man armor and action scenes were also updated in a way befitting the final installment.
Tony’s adventures continue to be depicted throughout the Avengers series, but even up to this point, the trilogy has been crafted in a way that is satisfying to watch.
A superhero movie addressing mental health
In the film “Iron Man 3,” the content seemed to focus more on Tony’s mental health issues than ever before. Mental health is a topic of great importance in modern society, and many MCU films have shown a willingness to address this issue. The movie “Thunderbolts* 2025” has been praised by many as the one that most directly tackles this theme, but I think this film hints at that direction.
We often hear the phrase, “Your greatest enemy is yourself,” and Tony is a protagonist who constantly confronts his traumas. Unlike Captain America, who possesses a strong and noble mindset, or Thor, who embodies a blend of openness and sensitivity, Tony’s narcissistic nature struggles to move forward as he grapples with his past traumas. This aspect of his character feels very human. That’s why he’s such a beloved character, I realized once again while watching this film.
In this film, we meet Harley, a rare 10-year-old character in the MCU. The interaction between Tony and Harley was very heartwarming. Like Tony, Harley has no parents and is a curious child who loves science and making things. And when Tony has a panic attack, Harley tries to stay calm and help him. She asks if there’s anything he needs, suggests taking a deep breath, and says, “You’re a mechanic, right? Why don’t you build something?” These words were the most effective in calming Tony Stark.
These words reminded him of the development of the “Powered Suit Mark 1” in Afghanistan, the origin of the suit, and he realized that his intellect, dexterity, and soul were what made him a hero. He rediscovered this truth and realized that it was he, an ordinary person, who was “I am Iron Man.” It was the moment he overcame his mental health issues.
An unexpected connection to the sequel
While “Iron Man 3” is the final film in the “Iron Man” series, it has an unexpected connection to other works in the MCU.
As a film featuring Tony and Iron Man, its connection to the “Avengers” series is obvious. In particular, “Avengers: Endgame” effectively serves as the conclusion to Tony’s story. Other examples include his guest appearances in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming,’ where his story continues. Additionally, even when he doesn’t appear in person, Tony often plays a role in the origins of villains in multiple works, such as ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ highlighting the strength of his influence across the entire MCU.
The 2021 theatrical release of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)” revealed an unexpected connection to “Iron Man 3.” This film unfolds the story of the Ten Rings and Mandarin, which had been hinted at throughout the “Iron Man” series. Interestingly, there is a short film titled “I Am the King” produced as a spin-off of “Iron Man 3.” However, without watching both the spin-off and the main movie, certain parts of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” may be challenging to understand, sparking excitement among many fans for the cross-generational connection. Such storytelling is a major strength of the MCU, and it also highlights the significant presence of the “Iron Man” series.
Summary: The Conclusion of Tony Stark’s Story
The film “Iron Man 3” is the final standalone film featuring Iron Man, the first hero of the MCU, Tony Stark. While Tony’s story as an Avenger continues beyond this point, his standalone narrative is given a proper conclusion. The film also addresses mental health issues, with Tony’s humanity resonating deeply with audiences. Although the series itself concludes with “Iron Man 3,” Tony’s story continues to influence numerous MCU works, including the “Avengers” series.
