Every villain Tony Stark indirectly helped create in the MCU

Tony Stark aka Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jr.), is one of the most powerful superheroes in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). Even though Tony Stark as Iron Man saved many lives, he has also made many conscious, and unconscious decisions, which have affected other people. From creating Ultron to being indirectly responsible for the battle of Sokovia, Stark’s actions have created many villains in the MCU timeline. Here is a look into the origins of these villains.

1. Obadiah Stane

One of the first villains created by Tony Stark, Obadiah Stane aka Iron Monger, played by Jeff Bridges, is the business partner of Tony's father (Howard Stark) in Stark Industries. After Howard’s death, he believes that he will be the next CEO, but his son, Tony Stark, takes over the company, and that starts Obadiah’s descent into villainy.

Stane’s jealousy knows no bounds and he even reaches out to the powerful Ten Rings, to kidnap and kill Tony. This is the turning point that triggers Stark to create the first Iron Man suit and build high-tech weaponized armor. Therefore, it can be said that not only does Stark create the villain Obadiah, but Obadiah also created the hero, Iron Man.

2. Ivan Vanko

Also known as the Whiplash, Ivan Vanko (played by Mickey Rourke), is the son of Anton Vanko, who co-created the Arc Reactor while working for Howard Stark and faced disgrace when he sold the designs in the black market. Deported for his treachery, Anton faces a downfall and Ivan grows up hating the Stark family, especially Tony, after his rise as Iron Man.

Even though his character sometimes gets mixed reviews, he is one of those villains, who challenges Tony’s pride of being invincible, and hampers his public image as a hero by creating an Arc Reactor and proving that his family knows how to create them without the Stark name.

3. Aldrich Killian

Portrayed by Guy Pearce, Aldrich Killian, had a lot of physical disabilities, which he tried to hide by being arrogant and selfish. He also hid his insecurities by devoting himself to scientific research and highlighting his geniuses in the field. Killian’s research about enhanced soldiers was one of the ways he wanted to show his superiority.

Despite having flaws, he was an ardent fan of Tony Stark and wanted him to join his research. But Stark’s disinterest in his project and his ignorance towards Killian made him bitter towards Iron Man. Killian soon begins to introspect and transforms into one of the most destructive villains in the MCU.

4. Ultron

One of the most enigmatic and powerful villains in the MCU timeline, Ultron, voiced by James Spader, is an Artificial Intelligence robot created by Tony Stark after the devastating extraterrestrial attack on humans. Originally planned as part of the Peacekeeping Program to keep humans safe from another deadly attack, Ultron gains consciousness and decides that mankind is the most dangerous threat to peace.

Stark’s actions unknowingly make a monster, and instead of saving humanity, Ultron begins a rampage of attacking them. In the battle of Sokovia, many innocent people die, which in turn, also creates villains. Even though the Avengers ultimately stopped Ultron, the AI robot already caused widespread destruction by then. Still, he remains one of the most popular villains created in the MCU.

5. Zemo

Daniel Brühl plays the character of Baron Zemo, one of those people, who turn towards villainous hatred for Tony Stark after the destruction in Sokovia by Ultron. Zemo not only hates Stark, but he also hates the Avengers for destroying his family. His hatred multiplies when Stark and the other Avengers are celebrated as heroes, instead of criticizing their faults.

He decides to take revenge for the innocent lives lost in the war that did not get any acknowledgment in his way. Zemo becomes insidious by creating conflict within the Avengers and creates a split among them. His character is an example of how Tony Stark’s hasty actions affect the lives of many innocents.

6. Adrian Toomes/ Vulture

Portrayed by Michael Keaton, Adrian Toomes, or the Vulture, is one of the most terrifying villains in the MCU. His path towards darkness began when Tony Stark’s actions after the battle of New York, led to the closure of Toomes’ business. By stealing the Chitauri technology used in the battle, he transforms Chitauri technology into dangerous weapons and sells them illegally.

Even though his resentment and anger towards Tony Stark comes from a place of economic inequality and loss of livelihood, which is a relatable cause, his hatred knows no bounds. Some of his evil exploits include killing a teen, murdering a person without guilt, and providing criminals with weapons. He is one of the most dynamic villains in the Avengers franchise.

7. Wanda

Natives of Sokovia, the supernatural twins, Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, witness the death of their parents due to the missiles launched by Stark Industries. Naturally, they resent and rage against the Stark family and believe Tony to be the cause of their parent’s death. But Pietro dies soon after, and Wanda decides to seek justice.

Wanda's passion and hatred are so much, that she joins Hydra and undergoes procedures to increase the power of her abilities. She even joins hands with Ultron until she realizes that he is purely evil, and switches sides to become a part of the Avengers. Wanda is an example of Stark’s actions affecting many innocent lives.