2019’s Avengers: Endgame brought about the means to conclude the MCU’s Infinity Saga, meaning the film had quite a bit packed into it in order to wrap up several Marvel stories. Because of this, it may have taken fans more than one viewing to catch everything that was thrown at them in the blockbuster’s three-hour runtime.
Specifically, during Endgame’s final battle and at the most climactic and chaotic point in the film, a detail that much of the audience didn’t seem to take notice of was Rhodey’s new armor that he donned after escaping the collapsed Avengers headquarters.
Thankfully, Marvel wants to double down on the notion that Don Cheadle's War Machine may once again be seen as Iron Patriot ahead of his next MCU appearance.
THE MCU’S IRON PATRIOT IS BACK
In a leak posted by @dis.pops on Twitter, it seems Funko is rolling out yet another Avengers: Endgame Pop!, this time showcasing James Rhodes’ Iron Patriot armor that he used to help fight off Thanos and his army.
Bulked up and bigger than ever, Rhodey’s new armor is finally getting the spotlight it deserves after being crammed into the biggest movie of all time.
The new Iron Patriot Funko Pop! from Avengers: Endgame can be viewed below:
In a classic Iron Man-inspired pose, Rhodey's Iron Patriot armor is more than ready for battle.
The box art for the Iron Patriot Pop! matches the Avengers: Endgame Funko lineup nicely, adding yet another unique piece from the movie to the ever-expanding collection of figures. The Funko-exclusive sticker shows that this Pop! will only be available via the Funko Shop.
ARMOR WARS AND THE MCU'S SOKOVIA ACCORDS
Back in star-spangled fashion, the bigger and better Iron Patriot armor comes about an MCU-decade after the last one was seen in 2013’s Iron Man 3. But, if there was any time for the United States’ red-white-and-blue attack dog to make another appearance, it’s when all hands were needed to fend off the biggest invasion in MCU history.
Considering Rhodey was utilizing an updated War Machine suit throughout Avengers 3 and 4, it is curious to see why exactly he's once again elected for a more patriotic look, especially after how well it went the first time around. This may be a good indication that although Rhodes expressed his disliking for what the Sokovia Accords had become in Avengers: Infinity War, that he is still the man in place to enforce them when needed and is one of the “official” heroes that protects American soil specifically.
After all, it's been established since Iron Man 3 that the nickname "War Machine" did come across as a bit aggressive with certain focus groups. This could then also be an effort to paint Rhodey in a more colorful and friendly light ahead of his Disney+ debut in Armor Wars, where Don Cheadle’s character will finally take a lead role in an MCU project.
This isn't the first Endgame-inspired Funko Pop! to be unveiled for 2021, and it seems like even this won't be the last, so it's fun to continue to receive new merchandise for a film that's been out for over two years now.
Marvel Studios made a masterpiece with Avengers: Endgame which will likely continue to influence the MCU well into Phase 4 and beyond.
