Early in the Avengers’ iconicMCUcareer, one quote uttered by Captain America informed every one of theAvengers’ stories, save for the one Avenger it was said to. Marvel first assembled the eponymousteam in 2012’s The Avengers, taking a bold step as it grouped multiple larger-than-life superheroes in what would become a standard-setting superhero team-up spectacle. The movie excelled in emulating thesuccess of team-up movies like 2000’s X-Men, proving that multiple superheroes can be involved in a compelling story without it feeling overstuffed.
Part of what made the story so compelling was the presence of conflict within the Avengers team, making their eventual rallying together during the movie’s climax even more satisfying to watch. This conflict manifested when Loki allowed himself to be captured and taken aboard the Helicarrier, where the mind stone began affecting the Avengers' rationale, causing them all to become antagonistic. This is also where the longstanding rivalry betweenthe Avengers' two most prominent members, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark, began.
Captain America’s Avengers Quote Explained
Captain America Doubted Iron Man’s Heroism
During this scene was where Tony Stark uttered the famous “Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist,” retort to Captain America’s line"Big man in a suit of armor. Take that off, what are you?" This nearly preceded the two founding Avengers coming to blows as Cap loses patience with Tony’s irreverence at the threat Hulk poses, while Tony resents Cap’s assumed authority. While Cap also carries an iconic accessory in the form of his shield, the super soldier serum he received means thatCap still poses a significant threatwith or without it.
20 Best Captain America Quotes From The MCU
Captain America - both Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson - has delivered some of the most iconic quotes in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Tony, meanwhile, boasts no such superpowers, thoughhe makes a good point with his list of armor-less qualities. Regardless, Cap’s quote goes much deeper than being a simple jibe, following up with the observation “You’re not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you.” With this, it becomes apparent that Cap is speaking about Tony Stark’s ability to be a hero from behind his suit of armor. Tony would, of course, go on to prove Steve wrong, but would notably do so in his armor.
Marvel Explored Cap’s Iron Man Insult For Almost Every Avenger
Every Avenger Lost A Defining Feature
While this line was part of a short sequence inThe Avengers, each ofthe most powerful members would face versions of themselves without their own “suits of armor” at multiple points throughout the Infinity Saga. In every case, they proved themselves to be worthy heroes when unencumbered by their crutches, even if they were somewhat hamstrung. That is except for Tony Stark, whose ties to his armor remained a defining feature that persisted even after he destroyed his vast collection of suits atthe end ofIron Man 3.
Steve Rogers
Shield / Powers
Captain America: Civil War (end)/Avengers: Infinity War/What If…Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?
Heart
The Avengers
While Hawkeye and Black Widow are kitted out with gadgets, they both ended up losing less tangible but no less defining features at key points in the MCU. Now, in the Multiverse Saga, these characters have each demonstrated who they are behind their equipment or defining characteristics, bringing their arcs full circle.Tony, meanwhile, remained tethered to his armor until the very end - which may be something thatAvengers: DoomsdayorAvengers: Secret Warswill address.With that in mind, it is safe to say that Cap’s words stuck with him throughout.
Iron Man Was Still Haunted By Cap’s Insult For Years
Tony Stark Always Wondered If He Was Good
After Cap’s accusation that Tony was incapable of sacrifice, Tony would spend the rest of his MCU career attempting to prove otherwise.The Avengerssaw Tony soaring into deep space with a nuke and nearly losing his life in the process, whileAvengers: Endgamebrought an end toTony Stark’s MCU arcas he made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of Earth and half the universe. At the heart of all of this wasTony’s struggle with the notion of whether he was a good person beneath his suit of armor.
This would manifest in him signing the Sokovia Accords and fighting to have Cap do the same, feeling guilt over the Avengers' lack of supervision. He would also attempt to create a “Suit of armor around the world” with Ultron. His antics backfired in both cases as his actions severely wounded his best friend and unleashed Ultron on the world. While Tony may have wrestled with Cap’s words for several years, however, it can be safely assumed he died knowing he did what was right.
