I wanted to talk about the similarities and differences between Tony and Stephen … so I will.
Determined - Definitely. These two simply don’t know what it means to give up. Tony refuses to die in a cave in Afghanistan without making things right. Stephen will go to the ends of the earth to get his hands back, even if it means learning magic and completely changing his worldview. Relatedly …
Hard-Working - Unlike some heroes who were born with their powers (Thor) or just kind of got them (Bruce, Steve), Tony and Stephen’s powers are a result of their work as much as their minds. Stephen’s magic requires “study and practice, years of it”. Tony created literally dozens of Iron Man suits, plus some for Peter, and other inventions that end up being important. I don’t think either of them sleep.
Geniuses … and they know it - Oh yeah. Stephen was a brilliant neurosurgeon with a perfect record, who became a brilliant sorcerer with an important destiny. Tony built the arc reactor IN A CAVE! WITH A BOX OF SCRAPS! And we’ll all die before they let us forget it.
(Accidentally) Created the circumstances that lead to them being heroes - Stephen drove himself off a road; Tony operated a weapons manufacturing company which made him a target.
Sluts - Self-explanatory.
Awesome Facial Hair Bros - 🤚🏻 🤦🏻 ✋🏻
Been through Hell - Stephen’s car crash ruined his hands and his career, and he suffered defeating Dormammu (put a pin in that). Tony was kidnapped, waterboarded, had his weapons turned against him, and was betrayed by someone he considered a close friend. All of this happened in their respective first movies. But hey, speaking of pain …
Self-Sacrificing - Oh yeah. I’ve talked about the different ways and times Tony has sacrificed himself, starting in Iron Man when he almost died to defeat Stane and save Pepper, then again in The Avengers carrying the nuke through the portal, then in Endgame … well, you know. But Stephen is also a person who sacrifices himself in the name of the greater good; in Doctor Strange he died hundreds of times defeating Dormammu (there’s that pin). This is something I imagine we’ll see more of from him in the future.
Redemption Arcs - Not necessarily starting out evil (Stephen’s mostly just an asshole, although Tony’s actions with S.I. means he was responsible for more widespread damage), but both of their stories have to do with becoming better people and caring about others.
The Mentors who helped them become heroes die in their first movie - Ho Yinsen and The Ancient One.
Personality - Both intelligent and sarcastic, but neither entirely lacking a sweet side.
Science and Magic - You don’t need me to explain this to you. But to quote Neil Gaiman (and one of my favorite ironstrange edits): “Science is a way of talking about the universe in words that bind it to a common reality. Magic is a method of talking to the universe in words that it cannot ignore. The two are rarely compatible” … but it’s the rarity that makes it special.
Background/Upbringing - This one’s kind of a shot in the dark because as of yet, we don’t know a lot about Stephen’s childhood and life pre-surgeon. I’ve headcanoned about this topic extensively, but ignoring my personal opinions, comic material suggests Stephen — unlike Tony — definitely didn’t come from wealth. I’d say that personality wise, he’s more genuinely arrogant than Tony, but he’s also more of a self-made man. Tony, although undoubtedly more of a genius than Howard, ultimately did just inherit his father’s company; Stephen built himself up through his own intelligence and will, both as a surgeon and a sorcerer.
Family - Again, not mentioned in the MCU as of yet, but Tony is an only child and Stephen has at least two siblings (depending on the source). Which may not end up mattering in the movies, but I can definitely see it.
Red/Blue - Yeah. I do think this reflects their personality differences a bit. Stephen is a bit colder, Tony more brash (although Stephen also makes bad choices, don’t worry). It also makes for an interesting visual contrast, which I love.
Coffee/Tea - Okay, this is just a headcanon, but I’m right.
Personality - I know this is also listed above, but to me they have similar but subtly different personalities. I feel Stephen can be more caustic (at least post-car crash, prior to that he seemed nicer); Tony’s more sarcastic, sometimes in a mocking way, but sometimes he’s more friendly.
Feel free to mention anything you think I should have added!
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