Iron Man 3 Ben Kingsley is The Mandarin!

[Venomfan]

only one of these is a racist caricature (especially if you consider mandarins back story with his appearance), but if mandarin was throwing up the peace symbol in every picture u might have something

 

[chamber-music]

Mandarin isn't even that much of a sterotype in the comics anymore. He rocks a business suit these days.

Mandarin isn't a chinese state sponsored supervillain like Radioactive Man. Mandarin hates the Chinese goverment. He is viewed as a terrorist.

Mandarin is basically the Doctor Doom of the Far East.

 

[Dark Raven]

I wouldn't mind Kingsley wearing a skull cap like Ming the Merciless. I think he needs some big collars as well, and perhaps a flowing cape. He doesn't have to wear it all the time, but at least in a few scenes, just to add to the look.

 

[Optimus_Prime_]

Mandarin isn't even that much of a sterotype in the comics anymore. He rocks a business suit these days.

Mandarin isn't a Chinese state sponsored supervillain like Radioactive Man. Mandarin hates the Chinese goverment. He is viewed as a terrorist.

Mandarin is basically the Doctor Doom of the Far East.

Yeah, basically. He's frequently depicted in an Alien armor suit as well...I just don't see how he's a stereotype (anymore), outside of maybe how he is usually portrayed as smart and good at science/math.

I'm also just a little put-off by how making him "Muslim"-like he's suddenly non-stereotypical. No, now he's just a stereotype people are more comfortable and familiar with.

They kept Ivan Vanko's Russian ethnicity despite the fact that his villain ethnicity is the result of the Cold War, and is an outdated interpretation.

 

[Incredible Hans]

Yeah, basically. He's frequently depicted in an Alien armor suit as well...I just don't see how he's a stereotype (anymore), outside of maybe how he is usually portrayed as smart and good at science/math.

I'm also just a little put-off by how making him "Muslim"-like he's suddenly non-stereotypical. No, now he's just a stereotype people are more comfortable and familiar with.

They kept Ivan Vanko's Russian ethnicity despite the fact that his villain ethnicity is the result of the Cold War, and is an outdated interpretation.

Same with Black Widow.

(Though it seems that they dropped the "Russian ballerina" background)

 

[Chris B]

While part of me still would've prefered that they had cast a Chinese actor, I've really liked what we've seen and heard of Kingsley's portrayal. The Mandarin's whole monologue in the trailer was probably the main highlight for me.

 

[Fudgie]

Mandarin's parts were some of the best in the trailer. I love his voice. Don't get why some are complaining about it.

 

[Venomfan]

Mandarin's parts were some of the best in the trailer. I love his voice. Don't get why some are complaining about it.

because some people would prefer a more faithful appearance is all, nothing wrong with that

 

[Steyin]

His voice reminded me of Spacey as Luthor.

 

[747]

because some people would prefer a more faithful appearance is all, nothing wrong with that

Where can I get those talking comics?

 

[BAXWAR]

I've been into Iron Man for most of my life, and The Mandarin was always my least favorite villain. IMO, only a couple stories about the Mandarin were ever worth reading and on the top of that list was Busiek's take in Iron Man vol3.

I did not think Mandarin could work in the MCU, and had no desire to see them try. But Kingsley is awesome, and that trailer left me very intrigued. I for one, loved his voice (someone said it was the highlight of the trailer for them, I'd agree).

Can't wait to see more. I hope he sticks around long-term (read: doesn't die) because it would be awesome to see The Avengers face off against a team of their worst enemies in the future (Skull, Loki, Mandarin etc).

 

[The Shape]

Mandarin, what a BORING villain...but here's hoping Kingsley delivers a performance that knocks it out of the park. A huge problem (for me, at least) with each past Iron Man film has been the lack of a compelling antagonist. In IM1, we had Stane as Iron Monger...essentially a big Iron Man suit. Then, we had Whiplash, who was cool enough, but weak motivationally and shared the screen with a bunch of Iron Man-looking drones.

Now we seem to have even MORE Iron Man suits entering the equations here in IM3, but I'm more interested to see how exactly Stark will "battle" or confront Mandarin. I also want to know the significance of the rings for Mandarin in this. Not from an alien source? What do they do, if anything?

 

[ThePowerCosmic]

Here's a gif I made for The Mandarin:

Spoiler

Great gif. Looks like he's looking down at his rings.

 

[Duran Man]

Wow.

 

[metaphysician]

Note that they already did some reworking of Tony's origin, by moving it from southeast asia to the central asian 'stans. Its not a huge shock that his prime nemesis would be shifted in background, too, from east asian to central asian.

 

[ElMariachi]

I am glad they aren't going with the comic Rings of Power. Do you guys realize how stupid and ridiculous they would look in a live action movie? I don't want to see him Nolanize the Mandarin but I doubt even Marvel Studios could pull it off. The CGI would look very silly and Evil Emporer. I think the rings will have significance and that the Mandarin will draw his power from Extremis/nanotech. I don't want to see aliens responsible for everything in the MCU. And speaking of aliens and infinite powered handwear---would you rather have the Gauntlet or the Ten Rings? I don't think you can have both in the MCU. They contradict each other in my opinion. I would be like having two One Rings in Lord of the Rings. While the Infinity Gems are more poweful, the Rings of Power are up there.

As for the Mandarin's appearance, I think they have gotten it right. Having a beard doesn't make one a Muslim extremist. Just look at the intricate robe he is wearing and his long hair. I generally don't think of long men's ponytails regarding Islam or terrorists. He looks more feudal era Japan or like an ancient Chinese hero in my opinion. Haven't you guys ever played Dynasty Warriors or Romance of the Three Kingdoms? Kingsley's Mandarin could easily fit into there with how he is dressed. I think he is a blend of various cultures, which makes sense given that the Ten Rings in IM1 was described as being extremely diverse. Recall Yinsen saying that even his language skills at the camp weren't enough.

 

[Optimus_Prime_]

I'm not really complaining so much as finding it odd that they cast Kingsley and then still kind of went with the Chinese/middle east connection. It might as well have been a Chinese actor which would've been a big opportunity for someone lesser than Kingsley.

All in all they could change Mandarin all they want, I find the comic version as compelling as paint drying.

 

[bell110]

Yeah, basically. He's frequently depicted in an Alien armor suit as well...I just don't see how he's a stereotype (anymore), outside of maybe how he is usually portrayed as smart and good at science/math.

I'm also just a little put-off by how making him "Muslim"-like he's suddenly non-stereotypical. No, now he's just a stereotype people are more comfortable and familiar with.

They kept Ivan Vanko's Russian ethnicity despite the fact that his villain ethnicity is the result of the Cold War, and is an outdated interpretation.

I was thinking the same thing. Even though the Madarin was a yellow peril villain, we can get past that. You can have a villain that just happens to be Chinese without becoming racist.

Mandarin, what a BORING villain...but here's hoping Kingsley delivers a performance that knocks it out of the park. A huge problem (for me, at least) with each past Iron Man film has been the lack of a compelling antagonist. In IM1, we had Stane as Iron Monger...essentially a big Iron Man suit. Then, we had Whiplash, who was cool enough, but weak motivationally and shared the screen with a bunch of Iron Man-looking drones.

Now we seem to have even MORE Iron Man suits entering the equations here in IM3, but I'm more interested to see how exactly Stark will "battle" or confront Mandarin. I also want to know the significance of the rings for Mandarin in this. Not from an alien source? What do they do, if anything?

I was talking with a friend and it seems like all of Iron Man's villain are guys in suits, except for Mandarin.

I am glad they aren't going with the comic Rings of Power. Do you guys realize how stupid and ridiculous they would look in a live action movie?

Well, how ridiculous will Rocket Raccoon look in live action? It could work.

 

[Figs]

I am glad they aren't going with the comic Rings of Power. Do you guys realize how stupid and ridiculous they would look in a live action movie? I don't want to see him Nolanize the Mandarin but I doubt even Marvel Studios could pull it off. The CGI would look very silly and Evil Emporer. I think the rings will have significance and that the Mandarin will draw his power from Extremis/nanotech. I don't want to see aliens responsible for everything in the MCU. And speaking of aliens and infinite powered handwear---would you rather have the Gauntlet or the Ten Rings? I don't think you can have both in the MCU. They contradict each other in my opinion. I would be like having two One Rings in Lord of the Rings. While the Infinity Gems are more poweful, the Rings of Power are up there.

As for the Mandarin's appearance, I think they have gotten it right. Having a beard doesn't make one a Muslim extremist. Just look at the intricate robe he is wearing and his long hair. I generally don't think of long men's ponytails regarding Islam or terrorists. He looks more feudal era Japan or like an ancient Chinese hero in my opinion. Haven't you guys ever played Dynasty Warriors or Romance of the Three Kingdoms? Kingsley's Mandarin could easily fit into there with how he is dressed. I think he is a blend of various cultures, which makes sense given that the Ten Rings in IM1 was described as being extremely diverse. Recall Yinsen saying that even his language skills at the camp weren't enough.

I fully agree with your last paragraph but I don't agree at all with what you said in the first statement, about it being stupid or silly if the rings actually had power to them.

First off, CGI now days looks pretty damn great, so the affects wouldn't be bad for the rings energy/powers.

Second, Marvel could easily pull it off when you think how this movie is still part of the MCU, which has had aliens already as well as Thor's power with Mjolnir...and a man who can change into a giant green monster.

I can understand you not wanting them to be that way in the movie but if it's more comic accurate I'm all for it. You mentioned that the Mandarin could possible draw his power from Extremis/nanotech. By this do you mean that his rings would control the armor? If so, that would be too similar to Vanko controlling the mechs and War Machine in IM2.

Personally, I want the rings to have some kind of power but I won't care for it if the power is to simply control the Extremis tech.

 

[ElMariachi]

I fully agree with your last paragraph but I don't agree at all with what you said in the first statement, about it being stupid or silly if the rings actually had power to them.

First off, CGI now days looks pretty damn great, so the affects wouldn't be bad for the rings energy/powers.

Second, Marvel could easily pull it off when you think how this movie is still part of the MCU, which has had aliens already as well as Thor's power with Mjolnir...and a man who can change into a giant green monster.

I can understand you not wanting them to be that way in the movie but if it's more comic accurate I'm all for it. You mentioned that the Mandarin could possible draw his power from Extremis/nanotech. By this do you mean that his rings would control the armor? If so, that would be too similar to Vanko controlling the mechs and War Machine in IM2.

Personally, I want the rings to have some kind of power but I won't care for it if the power is to simply control the Extremis tech.

I think they can do alot with CGI but I think energy being emitted from rings on a finger will look silly and cheesy. It's asking a bit too much from the audience to accept in this movie. The rings pack too much power for such a tiny object and it may be too much to suspend disbelief. It's better to hold off and give Thanos these awesome powers. Like I said, two ultimate weapon handwear in the same universe is too much.

As for how he draws his power, they could use the rings to control weapons and release weaponized nanomachines. The Extremis virus gave Mallen superpowers like firebreathing, electricty, super strength and speed. They are pretty huge rings so I doubt they are just for apperance. You also can see in the trailer that he isn't wearing them when he has the gun. Btw, I've also noticed he is wearing glasses in the screencap. Not sure if people saw that.

 

[Doctor Who]

I really dig Kingsley as the Mandarin, but his voice sounds familiar though.

 

[DJ Kornphlake]

only one of these is a racist caricature (especially if you consider mandarins back story with his appearance), but if mandarin was throwing up the peace symbol in every picture u might have something

Yep, the Mandarin was never a racist caricature.

 

[Boom]

Holy **** wow .

 

[youkaisama]

Yep, the Mandarin was never a racist caricature.

This.

Comparing a comic from the 1940s with an image from recent times — which to be honest, still looks like the typical evil Chinese emperor — is quite disproportionate.

 

[Surfer]

I think they can do alot with CGI but I think energy being emitted from rings on a finger will look silly and cheesy. It's asking a bit too much from the audience to accept in this movie. The rings pack too much power for such a tiny object and it may be too much to suspend disbelief. It's better to hold off and give Thanos these awesome powers. Like I said, two ultimate weapon handwear in the same universe is too much.

I understand what you are saying about the audience possibly perceiving Thanos's Infinity Guantlet and Mandarin's Rings of power as being too similar since they are both power sources worn on the hands of the villian. However, to suggest that the audience wouldn't be able to accept an energy source being emitted from a ring and that it would look silly and cheesy I think is false. Green Lantern had a power ring in his movie and while it was not well recieved by most, I am pretty sure it had little to do with the special effects of the power ring. With todays technology they can do some really amazing things, including making the unbelievable truly believable.

Also, if you truly feel that Mandarin's power rings will not work on film and you believe that Thanos's Guantlet is too similar to the Mandarin's Rings of Power then by default you are saying that Thanos's Infinity Gauntlet will also not work on film. Just food for thought!

Surfer