Doctor Strange 2’s Iron Man Is A New Stark (Not Tony) – Theory Explained

The Iron Man supposedly appearing in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may be a different member of the Stark family. The expectation is that Doctor Strange 2 will introduce an alternate universe version of Tony Stark, but the MCU’s second Iron Man could have someone else under the helmet. That being said, that character could still have strong connections to Tony’s legacy.

A mysterious figure in a suit was seen flying around in the trailer for Doctor Strange 2. Many right away jumped to the conclusion that in addition to bringing in Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Marvel had cast Tom Cruise as its new Iron Man. Since Cruise was an early choice to play Tony Stark, there was a feeling shared by some that Marvel would make Cruise’s Stark the Iron Man of a different world in the multiverse. However, the trailer doesn’t provide a clear enough look at the actor’s face to confirm if Cruise is in the film. But even if it isn’t him, the character shown in the trailer could still be the Armored Avenger.

Of course, Robert Downey, Jr.’s Iron Man is dead in the MCU, but the concept of the multiverse easily enables Doctor Strange 2 to create an entirely new incarnation of any existing superhero, regardless of their current status. With this in mind, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility that Iron Man will join forces with Benedict Cumberbatch’s character and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) to help save the multiverse. But instead of introducing a new Tony Stark, the movie could provide the live-action debut for Iron Man 2020, who is blood-related to Tony in Marvel Comics. Here’s why he makes sense for Doctor Strange 2, and why he could be better than a new Tony.

Iron Man 2020 In Marvel Comics Explained

In 1984, Marvel published a miniseries about its android superhero, Machine Man, and set it in an alternate future. One of the villains Marvel created to fight Machine Man was Iron Man 2020. In this timeline, Arno was a blood relative of Tony who took over Stark Industries after the latter’s apparent death. After becoming the new Iron Man, Arno operated as a ruthless mercenary and was often utilized as a villain. Later, Marvel moved Iron Man 2020 out of Machine Man’s timeline and began to use him in other characters’ stories. Through time travel, Arno clashed with Spider-Man, the West Coast Avengers, Death’s Head, and more. He was also a minion of Kang the Conqueror.

A retcon in the 2010s made Arno a character in the main timeline. It was established that this version of Iron Man 2020 is Tony’s long-lost, secret brother. Like the original version, Arno ended up evolving into a villain and acquiring his own Iron Man armor. The primary difference is that his story was told in the present, with Tony still being active as a superhero. Their conflict ended with Iron Man being forced to defeat Arno.

Why Doctor Strange 2’s Iron Man May Be Arno Stark

Looking at what Doctor Strange 2 revealed about its alleged Iron Man cameo, the character in question may be wearing a variation of the Superior Iron Man armor. This particular suit being in the movie would have major implications for the character. First of all, it should be noted that the Superior Iron Man suit (also known as the Endo Sym armor) was highly advanced, even more so than Tony’s other suits. Based on its capabilities in the Doctor Strange 2 trailer, that does seem to be the case for this suit as well. How the suit glows is indicative of it being incredibly powerful. The glow also strengthens the link to the Superior Iron Man storyline.

Arno Stark has no connection to Superior Iron Man in Marvel Comics, but it would make sense for Marvel to link them together for the MCU interpretation of the character. In the comics, Superior Iron Man was an “inverted”, evil version of Tony Stark created by a magic spell gone wrong. Rather than bring in an evil version of Tony, Marvel could simply give the Superior Iron Man role to Arno. Not only that, but the futuristic elements of the suit fit in well with what fans would expect from the MCU’s Arno Stark. As a character who was originally envisioned as an Iron Man from the future, it would be fitting for his equipment to be above and beyond what Robert Downey Jr.’s character had access to in the Iron Man and Avengers movies.

Arno Stark In Doctor Strange 2 Can Avoid The Iron Man Recasting Problem

Using Arno Stark as its multiverse Iron Man can help Doctor Strange 2 avoid the inevitable backlash that will follow if it recasts Tony. Considering that Downey, Jr. is widely regarded as the definitive take on the hero, it’ll be a significant challenge for Marvel to ever recast the character. Because of his celebrated portrayal, any attempt to fill the role with another actor will be met with harsh criticism. It won’t matter if it’s Tom Cruise or an unknown. Of course, the character’s inclusion in Doctor Strange 2 may only be a one-time cameo – as opposed to a long-lasting replacement – but that won’t completely shut down the controversy. Perhaps the best way for Doctor Strange 2 to have a multiverse Iron Man is for it to create a new version and not use Tony at all. Arno could be the perfect solution to this problem.

What Arno Stark’s Doctor Strange 2 Role Could Be

There are multiple directions Marvel could take Arno in if it brings Iron Man 2020 to the MCU. One option was already hinted at with Professor X’s shocking cameo. In the comics, both Xavier and Iron Man are members of the Illuminati, a secretive organization that operates behind the scenes to stop large-scale threats. Professor X being depicted as a representative of a mysterious council that’s putting Doctor Strange on trial suggests that the MCU is indeed adapting the Illuminati. Their presence could also explain why Arno Stark’s Iron Man might be on hand. If his MCU counterpart is anything like his comic counterpart, he may be among the Illuminati members who oppose Strange. The Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness trailer gives the impression that Xavier could be the group’s voice of reason, whereas Arno could be more of an antagonist (if not a full-fledged villain). At some point in the film, Arno could be pitted against the Sorcerer Supreme.

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