Today is the fifteenth anniversary of Iron Man and the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film opened on May 2nd, 2008. The story follows billionaire weapon designer Tony Stark as he escapes from terrorists and decides to repent for his sinful life by becoming an armored superhero.
A film based on the Marvel Comics character was in development since 1990 with Universal Pictures and 20th Century Studios both trying while Nicolas Cage vied for the role. While at New Line, David Hayter was hired to write a script. It wasn't until actor and director Jon Favreau was working on the Daredevil film that he began talking with Marvel Entertainment about film ideas. His ideas were based on the stories of James Bond, Jack Ryan, and RoboCop. Marvel Studios decided to make this independently, as their first own feature film. Previous Marvel films were produced by other studios after Marvel sold the rights during their bankruptcy. The Iron Man suit and the Iron Monger armor were built practically by legendary special effects artist Stan Winston.
The film was an overwhelming success. Critics gave it rave reviews, and it remains one of the highest rated superhero movies ever. It was the third highest grossing opening weekend of the year and eighth highest grossing film of the year overall. It was nominated for numerous awards including two Academy Awards and won several including the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film. Famed critic Roger Ebert put it in his top ten films of the year. The Library of Congress added it to the National Film Registry in 2022, deeming it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". The film was accompanied by the animated feature The Invincible Iron Man, video game tie-ins, and two direct sequels.
Most significantly, the film began the interconnected universe of Marvel characters known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Keeping their plans completely secret, a post-credits scene included Nick Fury introducing the Avengers Initiative. They then had Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. film a cameo for subsequent Marvel film The Incredible Hulk that tied into this film. This marked the first time that in the genre that superheroes would get to interact with each other. This concept led to dozens of films and shows all connected to each other. Several other studios would be inspire to try their own cross-franchise universes, though none to the same success.
The film was directed by Favreau. Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Don Heck, and Larry Lieber were credited for creating the characters. Victoria Alonso, Avi Arad, Louis D'Esposito, Favreau, Kevin Feige, and Lee served as producers. It features the talents of Leslie Bibb as Christine Everhart, Clark Gregg in the first appearance of S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson, Paul Bettany as JARVIS, Favreau as Happy Hogan, Samuel L. Jackson as S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury, and Lee as Hugh Hefner. Interestingly, Marvel had previously used Jackson's likeness as the Nick Fury in the Ultimate Universe.