While Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man is the heart and soul of the MCU, Marvel Studios barely explored his long list of villains. Loki, Baron Zemo, and Thanos all had incredible dynamics with Tony Stark, but none of them had an exclusive link to Stark. Across three solo films and multiple Avengers outings, Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man rarely faced his comic book foes.
Other Marvel heroes beat Iron Man to a rich rogues gallery. However, that doesn’t mean Tony Stark lacks memorable enemies. Since Kevin Feige has confirmed that the MCU will eventually reboot figures as central as Steve Rogers and Tony Stark, a rebooted Iron Man could finally face the foes that RDJ’s version never had the chance to.
10
Crimson Dynamo
Iron Man’s Russian Counterpart
crimson dynamo armor vs iron man 3
Early drafts of Jon Favreau’s Iron Man featured Crimson Dynamo as Tony’s first antagonist before pivoting to Obadiah Stane a.k.a. Iron Monger. After that, Crimson Dynamo only appeared in the Iron Man 2 video game, where he exploits Stark Industries tech. In the comics, Crimson Dynamo repeatedly challenges Tony Stark with similar technology to Iron Man.
Crimson Dynamo remains the quintessential entry-level armored foil to Iron Man. Over twelve years after the MCU’s armor-vs-armor action scene, the MCU’s next Tony Stark needs another visually striking, tech-focused battle. A Dynamo matchup would bring Iron Man-focused spectacle back to the fore, potentially with a side of political intrigue.
9
Blizzard
Recurring Iron Man Enemies With Cryogenic Powers
Blizzard II uses his freezing and ice powers in Marvel Comics
Blizzard may not be Iron Man’s flashiest villain, but he’s been a persistent thorn in Tony Stark’s side since Tales of Suspense #45. Originally Jack Frost, Blizzard wields cryogenic technology capable of generating blizzards, freezing opponents, and damaging Stark’s tech. In the comics, Blizzard is often portrayed as a working-class criminal who weaponizes Stark’s own inventions against him.
The Donnie Gill version of Blizzard was introduced in Agents of SHIELD, played by Dylan Minnette. Unfortunately, this Blizzard never wore a costume and was killed off before he met Tony Stark. When the MCU inevitably introduces a new Iron Man, Blizzard’s street-level roots would make him an ideal antagonist before Stark faces higher-level threats.
8
The Living Laser
Intangible Supervillain Arthur Parks
iron man villain the living laser-1
The Living Laser, introduced in Avengers #34, is one of Iron Man’s most underrated villains. His powers transform him into a near-immortal being made of pure energy. Iron Man 2 didn’t do Whiplash’s electric abilities justice, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s Electro was bogged down by a messy script. With careful handling, the Living Laser could be the most destructive energy-based live-action supervillain.
In the MCU, the Living Laser could be more than just another villain of the week. Arthur Parks’ electric abilities could make him a recurring challenge for multiple heroes, including Iron Man, Vision, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Wonder Man, all of whom have fought him in the comics. Of all Iron Man villains, the Living Laser has the most potential to be visually unique.
7
Spymaster
Multiple Conspirators Who Become A Thorn On Tony Stark’s Side
A close-up of Spymaster wielding a pistol in a Marvel comic
Spymaster is a name carried by several different operatives in Marvel Comics, all masters of espionage and infiltration. First introduced in Iron Man #33, Spymaster has repeatedly sabotaged Stark Industries from the shadows. Spymaster played a major role in the Armor Wars storyline, where he exposed Stark’s inventions to rival corporations and villains.
Since the MCU’s Armor Wars will probably arrive after the Multiverse Saga, Spymaster could make his debut as the next Iron Man’s main antagonist. The MCU’s version of Spymaster could thrive as a blend of familiar antagonists’ traits: Vulture’s targeted attacks, Mysterio’s treachery, and Ghost’s stealth. On that note, Ghost is originally an Iron Man villain, but Hannah John-Kamen’s Ava Starr is unlikely to return to her antagonistic roots after Thunderbolts*.
6
Iron Man 2020
Tony Stark’s Brother Arno Stark
Iron Man 2020 Arno Stark Comic Cover
A rebooted Tony Stark would also open the door to Tony’s extended family. In the comics, Arno Stark and the original Morgan Stark both have tangled legacies tied to Stark Industries and the Iron Man mantle. Arno is best known for donning the Iron Man 2020 armor; a bulkier version of Tony’s suit. Arno’s arrival pits Iron Man against a darker, corporate-driven version of himself.
With the Multiverse Saga already playing heavily with alternate timelines and realities, Arno Stark’s presence in the MCU feels almost inevitable. Arno would be the new Tony Stark’s own version of an evil Iron Man. Since 2020 is no longer the future, the MCU could update Arno Stark’s codename to something more fitting.
5
Ezekiel Stane
Obadiah Stane’s Son
While the Multiverse Saga may reboot major characters like Iron Man, Ezekiel Stane’s path doesn’t need much changing. In the comics, Zeke is Obadiah Stane’s son, who inherits his father’s brilliance and fights Iron Man with cutting-edge biotech instead of regular armor. Zeke’s enhancements make him even deadlier than the Iron Monger.
Alden Ehrenreich’s Zeke Stane is only beginning his villainous journey in the MCU. A continuation of his arc could see him evolve into a true heir of his father’s legacy. Apart from a rematch with Dominique Thorne’s Ironheart, Zeke Stane’s biotech-powered body would make him an exceptional adversary for a rebooted Tony Stark.
4
Madame Masque
Leader Of The Maggia Giulietta Nefaria
Madame Masque holds the mask in her hand
Madame Masque is a brilliant strategist, combatant, and crime boss, torn between her criminal family heritage and her own quest for power. Like Doctor Doom, she permanently hides her scarred face behind a mask. While Agent Carter technically remains canon in the current MCU timeline, a soft reboot could allow a fresh version of Madame Masque to be active in the present day.
Bringing Madame Masque into the rebooted MCU would provide Iron Man with a long-term adversary who can pull the strings of organized crime in the background. Unlike other armored villains, Madame Masque could torment Iron Man with carefully planned conspiracies. More than twelve years later, a new Captain America: The Winter Soldier would be welcome.
3
MODOK
AIM Mastermind George Tarleton
MODOK shoots a beam from his forehead in Marvel Contest of Champions
A frequent enemy of multiple heroes, MODOK has repeatedly fought Captain America, the Hulk, and Iron Man, often embodying the worst mix of unhinged genius and a hunger for violence. MODOK’s bizarre design and terrifying intellect make him a uniquely unsettling foe. More importantly, MODOK’s tech-based powers are a perfect match for Iron Man’s.
MODOK’s MCU debut in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania fell flat. A rebooted MODOK, truer to his comic roots, could become a central antagonist all by himself. Instead of Darren Cross, George Tarleton could be introduced as a frenzied AIM mastermind capable of clashing with each of the Avengers.
2
Fin Fang Foom
The Towering Makluan Kaiju
Marvel Comics’ Fin Fang Foom roars.
Fin Fang Foom is one of the biggest Marvel villains not to grace the screen. The mystical dragon has been a recurring Marvel monster since the Silver Age. After Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduced the Great Protector and the realm of Ta-Lo, the MCU has already laid the groundwork for Fin Fang Foom’s arrival.
Still, debuting Fin Fang Foom without an Iron Man to face him would be a wasted opportunity. Unlike Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal, a rebooted Tony Stark could fight a fully mystical villain in a solo Iron Man movie. All the Marvel lore and VFX quality needed to do Fin Fang Foom justice already exists.
1
The Mandarin
Iron Man’s Lifelong Archnemesis
iron man’s nemesis the mandarin
Without a doubt, the Mandarin is Iron Man’s most important comic book enemy. Since the 1960s, their feud has defined Iron Man’s comic evolution, standing alongside rivalries like Spider-Man and Green Goblin or Thor and Loki. Simply put, no villain tests Iron Man’s spirit and ingenuity more than the Mandarin.
In the MCU, the Mandarin was fractured into multiple pieces. Iron Man 3 introduced Trevor Slattery’s fake Mandarin, while Aldrich Killian claimed to be the real one. Then, Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings made Xu Wenwu a Shang-Chi villain. An MCU soft-reboot could bring together a living Xu Wenwu with a new Iron Man, finally telling the definitive Mandarin vs. Iron Man feud that the MCU has yet to deliver.
NAME
Anthony Edward “Tony” Stark
Franchise
Marvel
FIRST APP
“Tales of Suspense” #39 (1963)