MCU: 10 Things You Learn Rewatching Iron Man 3
4. Harley's Role In The Story Is Pivotal
Stark himself is obviously the most important character in Iron Man 3, but right next to him is Ty Simpkins' Harley Keener, a bullied schoolboy who finds common ground in Downey Jr.'s character when he lands in his Tennessee barn.
The similarities between the pair are evident, with both having experienced absent fathers and school bullies while they pursued their interest in science and technology. They also make for a great team, with Harley's ingenuity getting Stark out of a pinch on no less than three separate occasions in the film, with one instance even showing the child tracking down the Mandarin's hideout on his computer.
But Harley serves more than just a practical role in the film, and probably will in the future of the MCU as well. Ty Simpkins is due to return in Avengers 4, and with Robert Downey Jr. likely to depart the franchise at this stage, it's obvious that Harley will continue to comprise an integral part of the MCU, carrying on the spirit of Iron Man without any need for the armour itself.