Avengers: Endgame: This character’s journey isn’t technically over just yet

Avengers: Endgame marked the end of a lot of characters’ journeys in the MCU (temporary and permanent alike). For this character, the journey might not be over with just yet.

Warning: Spoilers for Avengers: Endgame await below.

So, Avengers: Endgame finally happened, and we willingly paid money for pain.

With the end of a cinematic era, Endgame was just as much about endings as it was about beginnings. While certain character arcs ended in some context, other characters started new roles and journeys by the end of the film.

Although we said a bittersweet farewell to Tony Stark’s Iron Man after he sacrificed himself in Endgame, Iron Man’s journey isn’t necessarily over.

Sure, Tony Stark could technically continue his role in the MCU in the form of a hologram-based AI, somewhat like in the comics. That way he’d be able to uphold his canon mentorship for not only his daughter’s sake — but also for any future nerds-turned-superheroes (i.e. Kamala Khan) or future geniuses who also dual as a member of the ironclad family (i.e. Ironheart).

However, Iron Man isn’t an alias exclusive to Tony Stark. In fact, James Rhodes has taken on the role of Iron Man for a couple of extended periods of time in the comicverse; and we don’t think Iron Man’s run is over wish. Rhodey won’t let Iron Man die, and while we might not deserve James Rhodes’ Iron Man, we’re ready for him.

Sure, Rhodey could reverse the roles in the comic book zombie arc and bring Tony back to life, but we’re satisfied with Tony’s end in the MCU. Plus, we’re beyond ready for the MCU to develop the full extent of James Rhodes’ characterization… especially since Rhodey has been in the MCU since day one.

James Rhodes has always been more than just one hero because the scope of his positive impact He’s changed Philly, the world, and the galaxy, and he did so by being a man, War Machine, Iron Patriot, and Iron Man.

There was once a time where Marvel Comics portrayed Rhodey as more of a BA sidekick during Tony Stark’s run as Iron Man in the ’60s. Yet, Rhodey is a critical character well beyond his friendship with Tony or any other Avenger for that matter. Now that one Iron Man had to take an eternal retirement, Earth still needs her best defender. We need an Iron Man, and James Rhodes is the perfect man for the job.

Comic book civilians have perceived War Machine as Iron Man because he supports the same heroic, selfless, and empowering ideology. However, Rhodey took up explicit moniker of Iron Man more recently in 2011. Even after his comic book death in Civil War II, he was remembered for his contributions as Iron Man along with his strides as War Machine, and his civilian self. Iron Man is more than just a suit, and Rhodey already knows and respects that.

After his two titular comic runs, taking on the Iron Man and coming back from death itself, James Rhodes took on the Iron Man responsibilities and moniker in conjunction with his War Machine title. And, he did so on more than just one occasion.

Though Rhodey is just as much of an Iron Man as Tony, the next step for the MCU should be to develop Rhodey and the expansive list of his own superhero identities. If the future of the MCU somehow ~doesn’t~ have a spot big enough for a trilogy and some, then they’re borderline disserving the filmverse because we can’t imagine a future without James Rhodes, War Machine, and whatever monikers he decides to take on.

It’s beyond time for James Rhodes to have his own ongoing presence on the large screen so that we can see him grow as Rhodey, as War Machine, and as Iron Man and make the world a better place because of it. Even if that world is fictional, pop culture doesn’t exist in a void, and his impact will ripple into the real-word, too.

Just like Endgame wasn’t the end for James Rhodes, we refuse to believe it means the end of Iron Man. Iron Man will just take on a new persona by someone who’s well-versed in the attributed selfless mantra.