The MCU has become one of the most influential fictional universes of all time. With well over 20 movies to this date, it offered the stories of multiple superheroes and their enemies. And even though it's primary focus lies on the heroes fighting (and defeating) the bad guys, the creators also found time to form some unforgettable relationships.
Not all of these relationships are of romantic nature then. The MCU just as successfully includes iconic friendships. One of the best is the bond between Tony Stark and Peter Parker who first forces in the third Captain America movie. But even their friendship wasn't always perfect.
Were: It's Based On The Comics
Those who don't read the comics and know Iron Man and Spider-Man primarily from the MCU might not know that the relationship between them isn't something made especially for the films. They also had a close bond in the comics, even though the dynamic between them was slightly different.
Spider-Man also saw Iron Man as a mentor of sorts, and once Spider-Man confessed the truth about his identity to Mary Jane Watson and Aunt May, the two women even lived in the Stark Tower. Peter also sided with Tony during the Civil War but then stepped to the other side. Still, the friendship between them deserved to be transferred from the comics to the films.
Weren't: Recruiting A Kid
However, it's important to point out that when Spider-Man fought alongside Iron Man in the comic-book version of the Civil War, he was already an adult. Unlike the MCU Spider-Man who was just 14 when Stark recruited him to the battle in .
And while it's understandable that Tony needed a strong team by his side, recruiting a 14-year-old kid to fight people who have been doing the superhero work for a long time, should be a big no-no. It wasn't a responsible move and put the young hero into unnecessary danger.
Were: Iron Man Gave Him The Suit
Before Tony Stark shows up and makes a brand new suit for Peter, the suit's Peter is wearing does very little to protect him from danger. But Tony Stark isn't a brilliant inventor just for nothing, and he quickly comes up with a new suit for Spider-Man. The suit is full of helpful technological functions and it works as a buffer against injury.
Peter himself likes it, even though it takes him a moment to get used to it - and he's excited when he gets to keep the unexpected gift after the airport battle.
Weren't: But Then He Took It Away
With great power comes great responsibility - and Tony Stark is definitely old enough to know that he just shouldn't do some things. That doesn't stop him from taking Peter's suit away when he believes that the young man is acting in an irresponsible way.
But Stark doesn't handle the situation in the best way. Even though it's true that Peter made a mistake, taking his suit away was not only harsh but also put Spider-Man in danger. He had to revert back to his old, insufficient costume, when the new suit could have proven vital for him.
Were: He Served As A Father Figure
Much has been said about the relationship between Peter Parker and Tony Stark in the MCU. Since the story takes place after Peter had already lost his Uncle Ben, Stark steps in as a father figure of sorts for the young hero.
He not only teaches him an important lesson about responsibility but also provides him with better equipment and the chance to work on his skills as a superhero. Basically, he serves as his mentor, and many young people could use mentors who would help them find their own way.
Weren't: But He Ignores Him For Several Months
That said, even though Tony Stark tries his best to be a good mentor to Peter - he doesn't always do a good job. Possibly because his relationship with his father Howard was also far from perfect, and Stark doesn't a point of reference to use.
Either way, when they part their ways after the battle in , Stark spends several months ignoring Peter, even though it looked like he would stay in touch. It's true that he's a highly busy person but it still wouldn't kill him to check if everything's alright with Peter - simply said, to call him - at least once a month.
Weren't: And He Also Flirted With His Aunt
From Happy Hogan to the waiter in the restaurant where Peter and May go, there are quite a lot of men who show interest in Peter's aunt. And Tony happens to be one of them, even though it's obvious that unlike Happy, he isn't serious about it.
Stark likes to flirt with beautiful women, and he also flirts with May, even though Peter's right there in the same room. What's more, he makes some rather inappropriate remarks later on when he's with Peter in the car taking them home after the battle. It's true to Tony's character but he should still watch his tongue better in front of a 14-year-old kid.
Were: They Share Similar Interests
One thing that brings Tony and Peter closer is their brilliance. They're both highly intelligent, even though Stark naturally had much more time to work on his knowledge and skills.
They can invent things, Stark came up his Iron Man suits, Peter with the web for his web-shooters. And considering their mutual love for science, these two are as much science bros as Tony and Bruce Banner are.
Weren't: Leaving Him Deadly Weapons
Yes, Tony meant it well when he left E.D.I.T.H. for Peter. But just like with the battle in and Peter's suit, he should have considered it twice before acting. Leaving a highly dangerous technology in the hands of a teenager is asking for trouble.
And trouble did happen when Peter, heartbroken by Stark's loss, decided to give the technology to Mysterio of all people - just because the other man was originally nice to him. Maybe Happy should have stored E.D.I.T.H. before Peter was old enough to use it in a responsible way?
Were: He Invented Time Travel To Save Him
Finally, the ultimate proof that Tony and Peter were friends is that Tony did the impossible to get Peter back. Inventing time travel proved impossible even for Bruce Banner but Stark did it anyway.
Even though he knew that it could very well lead to a disaster and take everything from him, he still did it - because he missed Peter and felt responsible for his death in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Their brief reunion was made even better by the long-awaited hug. Unfortunately, Tony died soon afterward, but he sacrificed his life for his friends, Peter included.
