Iron Man
Easter Eggs and References
Just Call Us S.H.I.E.L.D
Throughout the film, Agent Phil Coulson from the Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics division attempts to contact Tony Stark via Pepper Potts. Even Coulson admits the agency’s name is a bit of a mouthful, eventually noting that she can just call them S.H.I.E.L.D. This shadowy government organization is a connecting force in both the cinematic and comic book universes, often becoming involved in matters relating to supernatural powers, extraterrestrial activity, or advanced technology.
Speaking of Shields
During one scene in Tony’s workshop, eagle-eyed fans spotted what looked like a prototype version of the iconic shield used by Captain America. While there has never been an overt attempt to explain what Tony was doing with this shield, it makes another appearance in Iron Man 2, and other films will reveal the full connection between the Stark family and the legacy of Captain America, and of course introduce the man behind the legend himself—Steve Rogers.
Iron Men
After Tony takes off in the Iron Man Mark III suit to confront Obadiah Stane, Rhodey longingly glances at the decommonissioned Mark II armor and remarks, “next time.” These words —combined with the suit’s silver color scheme—were a hint to comic book readers that Rhodey might eventually suit up as the hero known as War Machine, a tease that would soon be fulfilled in Iron Man 2.
Background Players
In what’s another blink and you’ll miss it moment, the building belonging to the Roxxon Corporation can be seen during the climactic battle between Tony and Obadiah. The company is a shadowy organization involved in all sorts of questionable ventures, and will make several additional appearances in the MCU.
The Beginning
With the end of one movie comes the beginning of an entire cinematic universe. In the film’s post-credit scene—a staple of the MCU—the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury tells Stark he isn’t the only superhero in the world. Furthermore, he invites Tony to discuss something called the Avengers Initiative. This specific tease didn’t payoff until years later in The Avengers, and in a way served as a promise to fans new and old that this was all building to something even bigger than the already larger than life tale of Iron Man.