TruffleShuffle Looks at Iron Man 3!

It's nearly here! With Iron Man 3's cinema release just round the corner (25th of this month!),  I thought it would be the perfect time to give you guys a little background into some new characters in this awesome, action-packed new film, Iron Patriot and The Manderine.

This long awaited film has been on everyone minds since shortly after the release of Iron Man 2 waaaaay back in 2010 (can you believe it?), and sees the introduction of some amazing new character to the film series. Directed by Shane Black (who also directed the first Iron Man film), the latest adventure is set after the events that occurred in The Avengers. Tony Stark now faces a powerful enemy, the Mandarin. Left only to rely on his instincts, he must embark on a harrowing quest to find those responsible for destroying his personal life. The Mandarin is a powerful enemy with 10 Rings that grant him immense power. At the beginning of the movie, he launches an attack at the Stark Expo where Happy Hogan, Tony Stark's bodyguard, is injured.

Meanwhile, the US Government is receiving evidence of people disappearing. Using his computer tracking equipment, Stark realizes that the Mandarin has been kidnapping citizens of the US and turning them into super soldiers with the new Extremis Virus. Sound good?

Iron Patriot

During filming in May last year, early Iron Man 3 set photos had first revealed that the Iron Patriot would be featured in the Shane Black-directed film.

With the red, white and blue armor having villainous origins in Marvel Comics, it was a surprise to later learn that the Marvel threequel would include Iron Patriot only as a new paint job for (Don Cheadle) James Rhodey Rhodes’ Iron Man 2 War Machine armor. Explaining how the idea came about, Marvel president Kevin Feige reveals:

“A few years ago in publishing, they created a suit called the Iron Patriot, which was an advanced Iron Man suit painted red, white and blue with a star on it. In the comics it’s a different character that wears it and utilizes it. But we really loved that image; we thought it was a striking image. And coming off of “The Avengers” where you have Captain America and Captain America is such a symbol for The Avengers, we thought it would be fun if the United States wanted to have their own version of that. Of course, Captain America works for the United States, but as he’s more of an Avengers hero the US Government said, “We want our own,” which is why they take War Machine and rebrand him as the Iron Patriot. Shane Black and I the Iron Patriot for the first time and what the guys at Legacy had done with this suit. Each suit gets better and better. The Iron Patriot practical suit that was worn on set is the best practical suit they’ve ever built.”

“Now over the course of the film we learn that there was a nefarious purpose behind that. It’s a great example of how sometimes you take and stay true to a character as pulled from the comics, and sometimes the comics can be the kernel of an idea that you then flesh out and build into something else. One of the best things about being a part of Marvel Studios is that you have the house of ideas; you have the publishing division that comes out with dozens of books a month and we flip through almost every one of those books every month and just pull things and don’t know where they could be used. But you know, a few years ago we pulled out the Iron Patriot and said, “That’s cool. Wouldn’t that be fun to play with that someday?” And you’ll see it in Iron Man 3.”

The Mandarin

Early Life

The Mandarin's true name is unknown. He studied South American insurgency, Sun Tzu and other ancient warfare tactics. He later became a intelligence field officer, but due to witnessing the atrocities of the world, it drove him mad. He was also an expert in global intelligence and knew how to use the media to his benefit. He has a great hatred for America and used it to unify his group, the Ten Rings, who shared his hatred.

Character Traits

The Mandarin, surrounded himself with Chinese iconography, dragons, and the symbols of warlords. He used many other warrior motifs and symbols and twisted them for his own use, such as Asian royal robes, a terrorist beard, samurai hair, a Captain America shield tattoo with the "A" for "anarchy" on the back of his neck. He also wanted to teach the world lessons, such as the fact that there was no such thing as heroes.

Iron Man

The Mandarin is referenced through the name of the terrorist group called "The Ten Rings", who holds Tony Stark captive. Raza, the leader of the Ten Rings, has a single red ring that he rubs with his other hand. He also makes a reference to Genghis Khan when speaking to Stark and Yinsen

Iron Man Prelude

When Rhodey flew around the world in his new battle suit, destroying the terrorist cells of the Ten Rings organization, Mandarin sent his men to capture him and his armor. Though they failed in their mission, they managed to scan the War Machine armor, thus obtaining invaluable information data for The Mandarin would use against Tony Stark.

Iron Man 3

Mandarin is the sinister head of the terrorist organization known as The Ten Rings, from which all the acts of extreme terrorism plaguing the world appear to emanate. Although he is reclusive, Mandarin wields great power and makes his presence known by striking fear in the government and the populace through his brazen plans of attack.

Now if all this hasn't got you planning your next cinema traip, check out the official movie trailer for an insight into the epic action...

Don't forget to take a peek at our awesome collection of Marvel T-Shirts and Iron Man T-Shirts so you can look the part.

xoxo