Why Did War Machine Have Iron Patriot Colored Armor in the Final Battle Against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame?

In the climactic final battle of Avengers: Endgame, War Machine, James Rhodes dons an Iron Patriot-colored armor. This choice reflects several key factors, including a legacy of heroism, symbolism, and visual impact that enhance the narrative of this pivotal scene.

Leveraging the Legacy of Iron Patriot

The Iron Patriot armor, originally worn by Norman Osborn, takes on a new significance in the MCU as a blend of Iron Man and Captain America aesthetics. This design nod to the character's history serves as a tribute to the comics while emphasizing the importance of teamwork among the heroes. The film pays homage to the past, highlighting the connection between different avengers and the shared mission to fight against Thanos.

Symbols of Patriotism and Unity

The distinct red, white, and blue color scheme of the Iron Patriot armor symbolizes patriotism and unity. These colors resonate deeply with the themes of sacrifice and teamwork that are central to the Avengers' fight against Thanos. This visual element not only enhances the narrative but also amplifies the emotions of the audience, making the scene more impactful.

Visual Impact and Differentiation

The distinct color scheme also plays a crucial role in defining War Machine's character on the battlefield. The colors help differentiate Rhodey's War Machine from other characters, making it a visually striking element during the chaotic scenes of the final battle. This visual differentiation is crucial for maintaining the audience's engagement and ensuring that each hero's actions are clear and distinct.

Structural Narratives and Supporting Characters

When the Sanctuary, Thanos's ship, bombarded the Avengers headquarters, Rhodey, Rocket, and the Smart Hulk fell into debris. An unexpected fall rendered Rhodey's armor immobile, necessitating that he remove his suit. This distress message was heard by Ant-Man who, due to his small size, was able to locate and assist them. During this process, Ant-Man discovered a newer, well-upgraded Iron Patriot suit designed to support Rhodey's paralyzed legs. Through the magic of Ant-Man's shrinking abilities, this suit was passed to Rhodey, allowing him to join the fight.

The Context of the Armor's Availability and Use

Rhodey's War Machine armor was damaged when the compound collapsed on him. Fortunately, a backup of the Iron Patriot suit was available, which he used in the final battle. This suit's availability was likely due to multiple factors. After the Civil War, where Rhodey became paralyzed and his suit was heavily damaged, it was not feasible to use the damaged armor for future battles. Tony Stark, who was always focused on creating new suits for himself and Pepper, concentrated on a harness to help Rhodey walk. As a result, Rhodey took on a more supportive role during this period, making a new suit unnecessary. When Tony vanished in the Infinity War, Rhodey, already in a support role, required a new suit for the final battle. The Iron Patriot suit was the perfect choice as it was well-upgraded and designed to meet his current needs.

Conclusion: Unveiling the Secrets

The choice of the Iron Patriot armor for War Machine in the final battle of Avengers: Endgame was not just a matter of aesthetics but a strategic decision that carried deep symbolism and historical context. This armor served as a perfect blend of legacy, unity, and visual impact, enhancing the narrative and emotional depth of the film. Furthermore, the smart use of technology and teamwork demonstrated in the handling of the Iron Patriot suit shows the clever storytelling and behind-the-scenes coordination that made this moment in the movie so memorable.

References

1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
2. Iron Patriot Armor on Marvel Cinematic Universe Fandom
3. The Canadian Lad YouTube Video