Having newer characters with their own tics and personalities in the familiar garb of the founding Avengers allows for a level of variation on properties that run the risk of becoming rote; let's not forget that the first Iron Man film came out nearly ten years ago, now. In a rapidly-changing political landscape, and a Cinematic Universe that likes to stay current and evocative of the times, what would an Iron Man film with Col. James Rhodes in the armour look like? He'd arguably have a more militaristic take on how to conduct superhero business. Where Tony Stark's glib and aloof nature never made for many politically-charged storylines - other than when the US government tried to make him give up his suit - Rhodes' position within the US military makes his character ripe for a political thriller not unlike Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which many agree is the best out of all the MCU offerings.