If you consider yourself a die-hard Ironman fanatic, you probably know these rarely-mentioned facts about one of the most powerful superheroes in the Marvel universe. However, if you came to like Ironman only after you watched it in the movies, you’re not too late– here are 10 of the best facts behind the iron-clad superhero! Memorize them and you could brag about your love for Ironman to your friends.

1. Before Robert Downey Jr. signed on to play the superhero, the role was first proposed to Nicolas Cage and Tom Cruise

Nicolas Cage has played a superhero before (Ghost Rider) and Tom Cruise has had his share of action-hero portrayals. Before RDJr. won the role, director Jon Favreau did not even have Robert Downey Jr.’s in mind; however, Marvel gave Favreau the authority to cast an actor and Downey, being a Marvel comics fan himself, became the best choice.

2. IronMan is the first movie produced solely by Marvel Studios.

The main producers of the movie is Marvel, making it their maiden, solely-funded film. Not bad for a first, don’t you think?

3. Stan Lee based Ironman’s character on Howard Hughes.

Stan Lee himself admitted that Howard Hughes became the main inspiration for the industrialist turned superhero. Like Hughes himself, Stark is rich, intelligent, eccentric, a playboy, and according to Lee, a nutcase.

4. The Ironman movie became Gwyneth Paltrow’s comeback role after pregnancy.

GOOP founder, mom and actress Gwyneth Paltrow returned to the Hollywood spotlight as Pepper Potts, her first role after pregnancy. She felt it was the right time to go back to acting since her son, Moses, was already 1 year old

5. Robert Downey Jr. signed on to play the role without reading the script!

For actors, it is often SOP to get hold of the script before agreeing to play the role. In Robert Downey Jr.’s case; he agreed to be the eccentric Stark even without the script.

6. S.H.I.E.L.D’s true acronym was changed in the movie.

Although Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) spelled out the meaning of S.H.I.E.L.D as Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division in the movie, in the comic book series, it is actually Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-Enforcement Division.

7. Unlike other movies which were often shot in other countries, Ironman was recorded within California.

Both movies, Ironman 1 and 2 were shot in and around California, with a few shots in Malibu.

8. The real Ironman stands at 6 feet tall.

There are certain details which the audience might not notice but the original Ironman was described as a 6-foot tall, lean and muscular male. Now, if you take a look at Robert Downey Jr. you could easily say he is 5’8″ to 5’9″.