Almost a year and a half along since the release of Iron Man 3 and the big twist involving the Mandarin is still a topic that comes up derisively at some point in the comments section of big, MCU-related news articles by those who just can't let it go. While the general public didn't seem to mind, turning out again and again to make Iron Man 3 2013's second highest grossing film worldwide, the outcry by vocal comic purists was loud enough during and after the film's release to catch Marvel's attention. Though Ben Kingsley's performance was solid, both as "the Mandarin" and as Trevor Slattery, Marvel attempted to quell the seeming bloodlust some had over how they treated Iron Man's most well-known villain by releasing "All Hail the King," a one-shot included on Thor: The Dark World's home release earlier this year. In it, Trevor is interviewed about his life until the topic turns to the real Mandarin, much to his surprise. His interviewer informs him that the Mandarin isn't too happy with Trevor adopting his name before breaking Trevor out from prison so that the two can meet face to face (all of which Trevor finds himself only more confused about). It's a fun short that gives Kingsley a little more time in the spotlight before the rug is pulled out from under him and the audience, satiating some people's anger without feeling as if Marvel isn't standing by the film's big revelation. While some have seemingly forgotten the short's existence, it is canon now that the real Mandarin is still out there. Regardless of how you felt about the twist in the original film, the fact that the door is open for him to make his true appearance, perhaps in one of Dr. Strange's films, is exciting. Whether or not that happens is up to Marvel, but at least we got more of Ben Kingsley - and even a welcome appearance by Sam Rockwell - in one of their best one-shots yet.
Writer, film enthusiast, part-time gamer and watcher of (mostly) good television located on the fringe of Los Angeles, who now has his own website at www.highdefgeoff.com!
