4. Aldrich Killian is a Proper Villain
Regardless of how one feels about the whole Mandarin twist situation, it would be difficult to argue against Guy Pearces Aldrich Killian having presented Tony Starks greatest challenge in
Iron Man 3. He was the tiny mole Stark looked right over, then secretly became a cancer that spread across and ripped apart Starks entire world. Tony never saw Killian coming. The old saying goes that a hero is only as good as the villains he fights. Tony Stark defied that logic in the first two films thanks to Robert Downey, Jrs charismatic portrayal. Obadiah Stane was intriguing until he revealed his true colors and Jeff Bridges started spouting off generic bad guy dialogue that can be found in any action film. Mickey Rourkes Ivan Vanko was underdeveloped and defeated with relative ease. Sam Rockwells Justin Hammer was hilarious, but never characterized as being anywhere near Starks league. Aldrich Killian was a threat to Tony Stark on all fronts. As the puppet master pulling the strings, he was able to launch personal and physical attacks that left Stark reeling. Killian was a challenge to the bitter end, forcing Stark to prove his strength even without always having the benefit of his armor. The absolute nature of Killians villainy pushed Tony Stark to the ultimate form of his heroism.