# We Create Our Own Demons (DD-277)

> Iron Man 3, directed by Shane Black, was released in the U.S. on May 3, 2013, as the first film of Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark, who struggles with anxiety after the events of The Avengers. Its twist about the Mandarin divided fans. The film earned about $1.2 billion worldwide. The Reel is a review with clips; the opinions in it are the Reel's.

- Department: Media
- First published: 2024-07-22
- Last updated: 2024-07-22
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/we-create-our-own-demons/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **May 3, 2013**: Iron Man 3 opens in U.S. theaters

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=we-create-our-own-demons

## Quick facts

- **DD-277-F01**: It opened on May 3, 2013. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (May 3, 2013))_
- **DD-277-F02**: It began Phase Two. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Phase Two))_

## Write-up

Iron Man 3 opened Marvel's Phase Two in 2013. Shane Black's film put Tony Stark's anxiety at its center.

1. **May 3, 2013**: It opened on May 3, 2013.
2. **Phase Two**: It began Phase Two.
3. **Shane Black**: Shane Black directed.
4. **Anxiety**: Tony struggles after The Avengers.
5. **Box office**: It earned about $1.2 billion.

## Related case files

- [The Birth of the MCU (DD-243)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-birth-of-the-mcu/): I linked the first Iron Man film

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: We Create Our Own Demons: Iron Man 3 Opened Marvel's Phase Two in 2013

- Duration: 28.6 s · Published: 2024-07-22
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C9v6I_UJHsY.mp4

### Transcript

Iron Man 3 was the first film in Marvel's Phase 2, and it took a deeper look into Tony Stark's psyche post-Avengers. Directed by Shane Black, it explores Tony's PTSD and vulnerabilities, with Robert Downey Jr. delivering a standout performance. The controversial Mandarin twist, while divisive, added an unexpected layer to the story. Action scenes like the Air Force 1 rescue and the final battle with multiple Iron Man suits were visually impressive. Overall, Iron Man 3 mixed its psychological depth with blockbuster action, making it a unique entry in Marvel's Phase 2. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Who directed Iron Man 3?**  
A: Also co-wrote it. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (May 3, 2013) · Wikipedia: Iron Man 3)_

**Q: Which phase did it open?**  
A: In 2013. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Phase Two) · Wikipedia: Iron Man 3)_

**Q: Who plays Tony Stark?**  
A: Again. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Shane Black) · Wikipedia: Iron Man 3)_

**Q: Which twist divided fans?**  
A: A reveal. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Anxiety) · Wikipedia: Iron Man 3)_

**Q: About how much did it earn?**  
A: Worldwide. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Box office) · Wikipedia: Iron Man 3)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Iron Man 3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Man_3)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "We Create Our Own Demons." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-277, last updated Jul 22, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/we-create-our-own-demons/