Is Rhodey War Machine or Iron Patriot in the MCU?

For many fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the question surrounding Rhodey and his variable status as both War Machine and Iron Patriot has been a point of discussion since the first appearance of the character. This article aims to explore the nuances of Rhodey's dual identity and provide insights into his current and potential future affiliations, all while staying true to the MCU canon.

The Current Status: Rhodey as War Machine

As far as we know, Rhodey is still firmly identified as War Machine. The confusion often arises from a specific piece of armor that he wears in the latter parts of the series. This armor, while impressive, is not his standard War Machine suit. Instead, it is a temporary solution following the destruction of Avengers HQ, where his normal armored suit was damaged. As Scott Lang (Ant-Man) was passing through the facility, he found a random spare suit and provided it to Rhodey for the time being. Rhodey, in this context, could just as easily have worn an old War Machine suit or even Tony Stark's (Iron Man) armor for temporary use.

Endgame and Beyond: The Future of Rhodey's Identity

The recent film Avengers: Endgame did not directly address Rhodey's name or status, merely showing him as flying around and cracking jokes. The film's narrative is primarily focused on the broader mission to reverse the Infinity Stones' damage, leaving Rhodey's exact affiliation somewhat ambiguous. Many fans and commentators have speculated on whether Rhodey will eventually revert to the name and identity of Iron Patriot. My personal opinion is that this is unlikely, as his new name and identity as War Machine appear to be more significant and fitting within the current storyline.

Emotional Shortly After Tony's Death

The recent loss of Tony Stark has inevitably had an impact on the other Avengers, particularly Rhodey. As a close friend and ally, Rhodey is likely to take some time to grieve and mourn the loss. However, as of now, his active identification as War Machine seems to be the most accurate reflection of his current role and personality. The MCU has consistently shown characters taking emotional leave during times of crisis, but this does not necessarily negate their active contributions to the team.

The Potential for Iron Patriot

Many fans are torn between Rhodey's current War Machine identity and his potential future as Iron Patriot. While it is understandable to draw connections to the character's previous name, it's important to note that the current name and identity were established for a reason. Rhodey's new postfix, 'Patriot,' adds layers of character development and depth, as it symbolizes a broader and potentially more inclusive sense of identity. The name 'Iron Patriot' focuses heavily on the political and military aspects, which may not align perfectly with the character's evolving persona.

Critique and Perception

The name 'Iron Patriot' has faced criticism for being seen as outdated or gimmicky, with many laughing at the name itself. In contrast, the moniker 'War Machine' carries a more modern and technological edge, emphasizing Rhodey's role as both a soldier and a tech-savvy individual. It's important to consider the context and societal impressions of each name. 'War Machine' is more serious and action-oriented, which fits well with Rhodey's character development throughout the MCU.

Conclusion: Fanservice and One-time Use

In Avengers: Endgame, it is plausible that Rhodey was using an armor with the Iron Patriot coloring as a form of fan service. This could be a way to acknowledge the character's previous identity while still indicating that he is now War Machine. It's also possible that the filmmakers also aimed to add visual depth and variety, giving Rhodey a different color scheme for this particular scene. However, this does not suggest an intention to revert his official identity to Iron Patriot.

For the time being, fans and commentators can continue to enjoy the dynamic and evolving nature of Rhodey's character. The current identity as War Machine, with its technological and action-oriented connotations, seems to align more closely with his portrayal in the latest films. The exact path his character will take in the future remains to be seen, but as of now, Rhodey’s role as War Machine continues to be a defining aspect of his MCU journey.