The 2008 film Iron Man is a superhero movie based on the Marvel Comics character created by Stan Lee. Directed by Jon Favreau, it stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, a wealthy industrialist and genius inventor who builds a high-tech suit of armor to escape captivity. Upon returning home, he decides to use his technology to fight against evil. The film marks the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and features a strong supporting cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane. Iron Man received critical acclaim for its engaging story, visual effects, and Downey's performance, leading to multiple sequels and a significant impact on the superhero genre.