Black had actually been involved with the Iron Man series since the second film, advising Robert Downey Jr and Jon Favreau on the particulars of the second film's script; specifically, its handling of Tony Stark's burgeoning alcoholism. Faverau planned to introduce Iron Man's infamous drinking problem as a result of the effects of revealing his identity to the world, Pepper Potts getting a boyfriend that wasn't him, and sadness at being old. Black suggested they model Stark on Robert Oppenheimer, who became depressed with being "the destroyer of worlds" after working on the Manhattan Project. It was an approach that worked, and did a good job at setting the third film up as a straight adaptation of the classic Demon In A Bottle storyline from the comics, the definitive Iron Man arc. Demon In A Bottle sees Tony tipping over into being fully dependant on alcohol, as a result of the various stresses and strains in his life (including, but by no means limited to, another of those attempted "hostile takeovers" of Stark Industries), both in and out of the suit. It was a surprisingly humane and realistic depiction of alcoholism - allowing for some requisite superhero comic histrionics - and helped re-define a character who had somewhat lost his way, and had lacked a defining hook for years. The big screen Iron Man never really needed that sort of re-focus, however, which is probably why Black decided to abandon the plans to bring Demon In A Bottle to the big screen with the third film, and just have fun instead. And it was fun! We can't doubt his decision. But, really, enough dilly-dallying people have been discussing Demon In A Bottle's adaptation ever since the first Iron Man film was announced. Now's the time to do it. We already know Tony's gotta have double PTSD after Age Of Ultron and, with friends and allies alike turning on him, it would make sense for him to turn to drink. If that doesn't sound insensitive. It'd also be an interesting, dramatic turn for a huge franchise to take, especially given RDJ's own past with substance abuse. It would be daring, brave, and really cool. All things that have worked out well for the Iron Man films so far, so why not for the fourth?
Tom Baker is the Comics Editor at WhatCulture! He's heard all the Doctor Who jokes, but not many about Randall and Hopkirk. He also blogs at http://communibearsilostate.wordpress.com/
