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01
The Ten Rings
In Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, we learn that Zheng Zu, sometimes known by his alias The Mandarin, is the true leader of the Ten Rings. In Iron Man, we see a live feed of Tony Stark being held captive during a flashback scene. Talk about a blast from the past, and who knew Tony's kidnapping would have such far-reaching implications in the MCU?
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02
Tony's Sentimental Side
Tony has two robot assistants in his workshop, named Dum-E and U. Throughout the movie, he insults Dum-E, but despite technological advances, Tony keeps them around ever since he build them when he went to MIT. This suggests that our beloved genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist does have a nostalgic side. Did someone say "aww"?
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03
Tony's Biblical Wisdom
When Tony gives his Apogee Award to a costumed Roman soldier at Caesar's Palace casino, he paraphrases a quote by Jesus Christ from Mark 12:17. It's ironic since, at the time, Tony is motivated by wealth and ambition, with an inflated self-image. Little did he know he'd soon be donning a suit to save the world.
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04
Tony Stark, Double-O-Genius
When Tony hooks up with Christine Everhart, the Vanity Fair writer, the musical theme in the background is reminiscent of the James Bond main theme. The morning after, Christine's pose is strikingly similar to Bond girl Jill Masterson's in Goldfinger. Tony Stark: genius, playboy, and secret agent?
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05
A Fine Art Connoisseur
Tony asks Pepper if the Jackson Pollock painting he wants to buy is a good representation of the artist's "Spring Period." Pepper corrects him, pointing out that this is a reference to the Long Island neighborhood called "The Springs." Who knew our metal-clad hero had such a refined taste in art?
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06
Tony's Musical Inspiration
The song playing on Tony's plane when he and Rhodey get sloshed on sake is "Slept on Tony" by Ghostface Killah. Ghostface's debut solo album is named Ironman, and one of his aliases is Tony Starks. He even had a cameo in the movie, but it was cut from the final version. It's like Tony's own personal theme song!
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07
Tony Stark, Political Philosopher?
Tony paraphrases political theorist Niccolo Machiavelli when he asks, "Is it better to be feared or respected?" The full quote from The Prince delves into whether it's better to be loved or feared. Tony may be a tech genius, but who knew he was also a student of political theory?
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08
Yinsen's Transformation
In the original comic origin story, Yinsen is of Asian descent, and Tony is kidnapped by Asian terrorists with communist ties. The MCU reimagines this, relocating the kidnapping to Afghanistan and making Yinsen Middle Eastern. It's amazing how a change of location can turn a classic origin story on its head.
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09
Remember Me?
Yinsen tells Tony they met at a conference in Bern, but Tony was too drunk to remember him. We see a flashback to this conference in Iron Man 3. Who knew such a fleeting encounter would lead to a life-changing partnership?
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10
Rocker Turned Guard
The guard in this scene is Tom Morello, the guitarist for the 90's rap/rock band 'Rage Against The Machine'. Morello is also an outspoken political activist and critic of America's military/industrial complex. Rock on, Tom!
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11
The Last Puff
Obadiah Stane is seen smoking a cigar in a scene after Tony's speech (and throughout the movie). However, Disney updated its anti-smoking policy in 2013 to include Marvel, so we'll probably never see this again. Say goodbye to the good old days of villainous cigar-puffing!
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12
Obadiah's Sinister Serenade
Obadiah plays Antonio Salieri's Piano Concerto in C major. According to urban legend, Salieri was a jealous rival of Mozart. This mirrors the relationship between Obadiah (always in Howard or Tony's shadow) and Tony (the prodigal son). Who doesn't love a good parallel?
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13
Proof of Tony's Heart
Pepper encases Tony's first arc reactor in a glass box as a nostalgic memento. We later see this memento in Avengers: Endgame at Tony's memorial service. Cue tears
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14
Sequel Foreshadowing
Tony drinks a chlorophyll cocktail while troubleshooting the Mark II. In Iron Man 2, we learn he's drinking this to counteract palladium poisoning. Tony was always a step ahead, even when it came to his health.
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15
The Marvel Legend
Stan Lee, the Marvel writer and creative visionary, cameos in every MCU film up through Avengers: Endgame. We will be pointing out each and every cameo he made. In Iron Man, Tony mistakes him for Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. Classic Stan!
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16
A Box of Scraps!
The scientist Obadiah yells at reappears in Spider-Man: Far From Home as a disgruntled Stark Industries employee, helping create the supervillain Mysterio. It seems like Obadiah's harsh words left a lasting impression!
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17
Obadiah's Ominous Ode
Obadiah calls the arc reactor Tony's "Ninth Symphony," referencing Beethoven's iconic work. Widely considered his greatest piece, it was also the final symphony Beethoven composed before his death. This could be a subtle hint at what Obadiah believes is Tony's inevitable demise. Talk about foreshadowing with a classical twist!
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18
Rhodey's Promise
Rhodey looks at the Mark II and exclaims, "Next time, baby," foreshadowing his War Machine alter-ego from the comics. Sure enough, he appears as War Machine in the next Iron Man film, but with Don Cheadle replacing Terrence Howard due to salary disputes. A new face, but the same kick-butt attitude!
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19
Iron Man's Paparazzi Moment
The shot of Iron Man in the newspaper Tony is reading was an actual tabloid shot taken during the movie's filming. Due to legal concerns, it was removed for the movie's home release and replaced with a similar photo. Even Iron Man can't escape the paparazzi!
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20
The Start of Something Big
Iron Man ends with a post-credits sequence that foreshadows what's to come. Samuel L Jackson makes his debut as Nick Fury, director of S.H.I.E.L.D., wanting to talk to Tony about the Avengers Initiative. This iconic moment set the stage for the MCU's future, and we've been hooked ever since.
Marvel Rewatch: 20 Easter Eggs from Every MCU Movie - Iron Man
As we all eagerly await the next Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the movie that started it all - Iron Man. Released in 2008, Iron Man not only kickstarted the MCU but also launched a whole new era of superhero movies. So, grab your arc reactors and power up your repulsor rays as we take a nostalgic journey through 20 Easter eggs from the first film of the MCU.
You might think you know everything there is to know about Tony Stark and his armored alter-ego, but we're willing to bet there's an Easter egg or two that even the most hardcore MCU fan might have missed. Strap in, because we're about to take off on a journey full of fun and witty insights into the hidden gems of Iron Man.
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