“Iron Man” is a Marvel Studios superhero film released in 2008, marking the debut of the character Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man.

Tony Stark is a brilliant billionaire and the CEO of Stark Industries, a major weapons manufacturer. During a weapons demonstration in Afghanistan, he is kidnapped and forced to build a suit of armor to escape captivity. Instead of creating weapons, Tony uses the armor to protect himself and becomes the superhero Iron Man.

Upon returning home, Tony decides to cease weapons production and utilizes his technology to become Iron Man, dedicated to protecting the world. He confronts Obadiah Stane, who plots to take over Stark Industries. Ultimately, Tony Stark, in the Iron Man armor, defeats Stane and saves the city of Los Angeles.

“Iron Man” is celebrated for its thrilling action sequences, special effects, and Robert Downey Jr.’s charismatic performance, which set the stage for the successful launch of the MCU. The film initiated a series of interconnected movies that contributed to the expansive growth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the subsequent years.