Exploring Tony Stark's Evolving Approach to Combat in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

In the Iron Man 3, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) showcased his advanced technological prowess by commanding multiple Iron Man suits. However, by the time of Avengers: Endgame, he refrained from using these suits in a significant way. This article delves into the factors that contributed to this decision, including character development, the aftermath of the Celestial and Thanos events, and the narrative focus of the film.

Character Development: Prioritizing Personal Life

After the events of Iron Man 3, Tony Stark underwent significant personal and emotional changes. The birth of his daughter, Morgan, and his growing family life shifted his focus away from the Iron Man persona. This shift in priorities led him to rely less on his suits and find other ways to contribute to society, such as supporting his family and investing in education projects. The change in his priorities is a key factor in why he did not deploy multiple suits in Endgame.

The Snap and the Aftermath

The snap of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War left the Avengers in a state of disarray. Tony, who was stranded in space, had to deal with the loss of fellow Avengers and loved ones. This personal and intense emotional experience may have influenced his decision not to use multiple suits. With the stakes feeling more personal and immediate, he may have felt the need to take a more direct and isolated approach to the final battle against Thanos.

Technological Innovations and Limitations

By the time of Endgame, Tony had advanced his technology significantly, focusing on the creation of the Mark LXXXV suit. This suit was designed specifically for the final battle against Thanos, showcasing Tony's growth and innovation. The narrative choice to focus on this suit rather than older models further explains the limited use of multiple suits. The Mark LXXXV was a culmination of his technological advancements and a symbol of his character development.

Narrative Focus: Teamwork and Personal Sacrifice

The story of Endgame centers on teamwork and personal sacrifice. By having Tony Stark take on Thanos in a more direct and personal manner, the narrative emphasizes his ultimate sacrifice and the emotional weight of the final confrontation. The film's focus on collaboration among the Avengers members aligns with the overarching theme of sacrifice, making the use of multiple suits less relevant to the story's climax.

The Evolution of Tony Stark's Combat Protocols

In addition to his character development, Tony's approach to combat evolved over time. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, he created the Iron Legion, a fleet of Operation: Salvation droids controlled by JARVIS. This modification was a response to the vulnerabilities highlighted in Iron Man 3, where the suits were too easy to destroy. However, the Iron Legion proved to be a significant failure, as Ultron seized control of the droids. This was the last time Tony used humanoid robots in combat.

Since then, Tony has shifted his focus to more remote and autonomous solutions. In Spider-Man: Far From Home, he created a satellite containing hundreds of drones. These drones are not humanoid robots but rather flying toasters with futuristic capabilities. This represents Tony's attempt to create a suit of armor around the planet, providing a backup solution without the risk of autonomous intelligence spiraling out of control.

These developments in Tony Stark's combat protocols demonstrate his ongoing commitment to innovation and his adaptability in response to changing threats and technological advancements.

Conclusion

While Tony Stark undoubtedly had the capability to use multiple suits, his character development, the emotional stakes of the battle, and the narrative focus on personal sacrifice shaped his actions in Endgame. The evolution of his combat protocols through the use of Iron Legion droids and satellite drones further highlights his adaptability and commitment to innovation in the face of evolving threats.