Stark’s Arc Is Complete
It’s done. Finito. What more is there for Stark to achieve apart from marrying Pepper Potts and having two-and-a-half children? And that seems more like something fitting for The CW than the MCU, if you ask us.
When you sit down and take stock of everything, Iron Man has been the centerpiece of this universe and we’ve seen him as the heart and soul of everything. He’s fought all his villains (and friends too), resolved all his inner conflicts and demons, and embarked on several adventures with the Avengers. So, what more is there for him to do now?
By walking towards the light (or getting squashed by Thanos’ gigantic hands), his arc will end in sacrifice. As one of the biggest narcissists in the MCU, there’s no better way for him to redeem himself and prove he’s more than his façade than through a heroic death. Of course his teammates (and the audience) will cry once it happens, but it’ll solidify his legend even more.
The Gandalf Figure
While it might’ve been a smaller role than usual, Stark’s appearance in Spider-Man: Homecoming was vital. It cemented his status as a mentor (even if he doesn’t want to be one), and the beginning stages of the passing of the torch to younger superheroes.
With young, brilliant minds in the form of Shuri and Peter Parker, there’s almost no need for the genius of Stark anymore. In fact, these two youngsters might even be smarter than him. It’s a case of thanks for the memories, but we need the new blood to take us into the next phase of the MCU.
Even in Marvel Comics, we’ve seen Stark take more of a backseat as the likes of Riri Williams (Ironheart) and Doctor Doom have put on the fabled armor in recent years. So, isn’t it time for the role of genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist to be retired in the MCU as well?