Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3

Year: 2013

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Shane Black

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When Tony Stark's peaceful world is shattered by a new threat, he must rely on his intelligence and ingenuity to confront the escalating crisis. Facing relentless attacks and grappling with profound questions about his identity and the nature of heroism, Stark pushes his technology and his spirit to their absolute limits. He confronts not only external enemies but also his own inner demons in a thrilling and intense battle for survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Iron Man 3 (2013)

Trace every key event in Iron Man 3 (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

New Year's Eve Party (1999)

Tony Stark attends a New Year's Eve party in 1999, where he meets scientist Maya Hansen, who has developed a groundbreaking treatment called Extremis. This event also marks the first encounter between Stark and Yinsen, setting the stage for future developments in Stark's life.

1999
2

Killian's Invitation

During the party, a disabled scientist named Aldrich Killian invites Stark to join his company, Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM). Stark arrogantly dismisses Killian, leaving him alone on the rooftop, which plants the seeds for Killian's future resentment towards Stark.

1999 New Year's Eve party
3

Maya's Setback

Years later, Maya Hansen faces a significant setback with her Extremis treatment as it begins to show dangerous flaws, resulting in violent explosions among treated subjects. This failure not only impacts her career but also sets the foundation for chaos in the future.

4

Stark's Trauma

In the present day, Tony Stark struggles with panic attacks stemming from his experiences during the New York alien invasion. In an effort to cope with his trauma, he creates multiple Iron Man suits, which strains his relationship with girlfriend Pepper Potts.

5

Rise of the Mandarin

A series of bombings attributed to a mysterious terrorist known as the Mandarin leaves law enforcement puzzled, as they cannot trace any bomb fragments back to the crime scenes. This wave of terror adds to the growing chaos in Stark's life and puts pressure on the authorities.

6

Killian Contacts Potts

Aldrich Killian reaches out to Pepper Potts, showcasing his Extremis technology and attempting to recruit her for his plans. Despite their past connection and Killian's charm, Potts remains wary and declines his overtures, recognizing the potential dangers of the technology.

7

Happy Hogan's Injury

When Stark's security chief, Happy Hogan, is gravely injured in a bomb attack linked to the Mandarin, Stark's frustrations boil over. In a bid for justice, Stark publicly threatens the Mandarin, igniting a revenge-fueled response from the elusive terrorist.

8

Stark's Home Destroyed

In retaliation for Stark's threat, the Mandarin orchestrates a devastating attack that obliterates Stark's home. This catastrophic event leaves Stark vulnerable and shifts the balance of power, forcing him to reassess his situation and seek the truth.

Stark's residence
9

Investigation in Tennessee

Stark follows the trail of explosions to Rose Hill, Tennessee, where he teams up with a resourceful ten-year-old named Harley. Together, they investigate the local incident, hoping to uncover clues related to the Mandarin's operations and the motive behind the attacks.

Rose Hill, Tennessee
10

Unveiling Extremis

Through their investigation, Stark discovers that the bombings are linked to veterans suffering from Extremis, which causes catastrophic explosive reactions. This revelation highlights the failures of the technology and the dangerous implications it holds for society.

11

Infiltrating the Mandarin's Lair

In a shocking twist, Stark infiltrates the Mandarin's lair only to find Trevor Slattery, an actor hired to play the terrorist role. As the real mastermind, Killian reveals his intentions to kidnap Potts and use her as leverage, complicating Stark's mission further.

Mandarin's lair
12

President's Life in Danger

The stakes escalate when Killian launches an attack on President Ellis aboard Air Force One, putting numerous lives at risk. Stark swiftly assembles his Iron Man suits and embarks on a daring rescue mission to save the President and counter Killian's deadly plan.

Air Force One
13

Final Showdown

In the climax of the film, Stark battles Killian while working alongside Potts, who has survived her enhancements from Extremis. Together, they confront Killian, neutralizing the threat he poses to both Stark and the nation.

14

Stark's Resolution

In the aftermath of the conflict, Stark decides to destroy his remaining Iron Man suits as a commitment to his relationship with Potts. He reflects on his identity and tosses away the arc reactor that has symbolized his life as Iron Man.

15

Awakening Dr. Banner

The story concludes with Stark awakening Dr. Bruce Banner, signaling the potential for future adventures. This whimsical twist returns to the beginning of Stark’s journey, highlighting his growth and acceptance of his dual identity.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 17:35

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Iron Man 3 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Iron Man 3, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Iron Man 3 Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Iron Man 3

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Iron Man 3

More About Iron Man 3

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