Iron Man

Tony Stark, billionaire genius and weapons maker, is kidnapped in Afghanistan by the terrorist group the Ten Rings. Wounded by shrapnel, he survives thanks to fellow prisoner Yinsen, who puts an electromagnet in his chest. Together they build an arc reactor and a crude armored suit; Yinsen dies in the escape. Back home, Tony shuts down Stark Industries' weapons division and builds a better suit, with Pepper Potts and Colonel James Rhodes close by. He learns his partner Obadiah Stane was selling weapons to the Ten Rings and had ordered the hit on him. Stane steals Tony's reactor and suits up in giant armor, but dies in the final fight. Tony tells the world: "I am Iron Man." After the credits, Nick Fury brings up the Avengers Initiative.

• After the credits Nick Fury shows up at Tony Stark's house and says he wants to talk about the Avengers Initiative. This is the scene that started it all.

1. SetupThe shield in the workshop background

   When Tony struggles to get the armor off and Pepper walks into the workshop, look behind him. You can see Captain America's shield half-hidden in the clutter.

   source ↗
2. CameoStan Lee becomes Hugh Hefner

   At the charity party Tony crashes, he greets an older man surrounded by blondes and calls him Hef. It's Stan Lee, mistaken for the Playboy founder.

   source ↗
3. CameoThe director is the driver

   Happy Hogan, Tony's driver and bodyguard, is played by Jon Favreau, the movie's director.

   source ↗
4. SetupRhodey eyeing the armor

   In the workshop, Rhodey stares at a silver suit and says "next time, baby." The promise hangs in the air.

   source ↗
5. SetupThe Ten Rings aren't generic

   Tony's kidnappers in Afghanistan display the Ten Rings symbol on their banners. That organization comes back later in the franchise.

   source ↗