10 Mistakes The MCU Made (In Hindsight!)
3. Introducing War Machine in Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 falls close to the bottom of many MCU ranking lists. For many this is because of it’s over-stuffed plot. Tony has to deal with his arc reactor poisoning him, Nick Fury and Black Widow, his relationship with his father, Whiplash and Justin Hammer. Alongside this, the film sprinkles in War Machine’s introduction and Tony’s alcoholism. However, if Iron Man 2 chose to hold off on War Machine’s debut it is likely it would have improved the film and made more sense from a narrative standpoint.
After Avengers, Tony is more of a team player but also dealing with PTSD from the wormhole. Had Marvel waited to introduce War Machine, Iron Man 3 could’ve explored Tony’s PTSD and perhaps even his alcoholism, while he gives up the Iron Man mantle (temporarily even) to Rhodey. This would give Iron Man 2 more breathing room and also be more comic accurate which is always a nice touch.
This also would’ve provided Don Cheadle a chance to really show off his acting skills and prove himself as a mainstay of the MCU. It really is a shame that the character has never truly been focused on, and I for one would love to see the story behind “Boom, you looking for this?”