Critics often say Hollywood has an uncanny ability to turn flat, two-dimensional storybook characters into believable 3-dimensional characters but oftentimes, tend to destroy the original plot and eventually create a debacle out of a masterpiece, but when Ironman the movie was released in 2008 and again in 2009, they were proven wrong.

The wise casting of the best veteran actors partly led to the success of the film and eventually led to the creation of a sequel. Budgeted at $140 million, Ironman 1 alone raked in half a billion dollars.

The stars of Ironman…

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Ironman

Robert Downey Jr. plays the role of the intelligent, wise-cracking CEO of Stark Industries. He was kidnapped by terrorists after a weapons briefing and only regained freedom after creating a suit made of iron which became the early draft of the original Ironman armor. Back in America, Stark ceases his nuclear weapons program and shifts from a weapons magnate to a philanthropist.

Robert Downey Jr. reprised his role as the industrialist-turned-superhero in Ironman 2 and will most definitely play the role again in Ironman 3 which was slated for release in 2012.

Gwyneth Paltrow as Virginia Pepper Potts

Pepper Potts is Stark’s closest and most trustworthy secretary and is one of the two people who knows Stark’s alter ego. In the movies; however, it is explained to the public that Stark is indeed Ironman. Realizing that his life could be in danger if he stays in the company as its CEO, Tony gives his post to Pepper since he is the only female he can trust at that point. Gwyneth Paltrow’s representation of Pepper Potts is different from what has been explained in the comic series. In the comic book version, she is described to be a naive, innocent, and talkative individual who fancies her boss greatly; however, in the movies, she is a prim and formal worker who handles most of Stark’s affairs. In the later parts of Ironman 2, it is explained that she and Stark have begun a relationship.

Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine

When Terrence Howard was terminated from his role of James Rhodes, Don Cheadle came into play and became the new lieutenant who later on dons the War Machine costume in the film. His role became larger compared to Terrence’s in the previous film and in the next few sequels, it is certain that he will play the role of Ironman’s closest ally and sidekick. Although War Machine later donned the real Ironman suit in the comic book series, the film shows a different event.

Scarlett Johansson as Natalia Romanova/Black Widow

This pretty Russian spy was hired by SHIELD to protect Ironman as well as to keep track of his affairs. Tony Stark did not sense this while hiring her but eventually found out when SHIELD leader, Nick Fury (played by Samuel Jackson) tells him. Black Widow is a very competitive fighter and although she is supposedly a villain in the comic book series, in the movie version, her role is protagonistic.

Mickey Rourke as Whiplash

Mickey Rourke returns to the silver screen and this time as a villain. He created a similar armor made of iron to fight Tony Stark and to avenge his father’s death but he eventually fails but takes the rest of the Stark Expo infrastructure with him. Whiplash was not Ironman’s main enemy in the comic book series; however, in the second sequel, Whiplash’s longing for revenge became the best conflict for the storyline.