Who directed the first Iron Man movie?

Jon Favreau directed the first Iron Man movie, released in 2008.

Favreau signed on to direct the Marvel project in April 2006, when the character had not yet become a major film franchise. He helped shape the movie as an origin story about Tony Stark, a weapons manufacturer who survives captivity, builds a powered suit, and chooses to use his technology for a different purpose.

The film starred Robert Downey Jr. as Stark, with Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane. Favreau also appeared on screen as Stark’s security chief and friend, Happy Hogan. His direction combined superhero spectacle with technology-driven science fiction, political undertones, and improvisational humor.

Iron Man was Marvel Studios’ first self-financed feature and became the opening film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was followed by Iron Man 2 in 2010. Favreau directed that sequel as well, but Shane Black took over directing duties for Iron Man 3.