In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, when Tony Stark got out of the weapons business after surviving an assassination attempt and being held captive for three months, it was believed that Stark Industries wouldn’t survive much longer. However, thanks to his focus on Arc Reactor technology, Stark was able to show the world a new era of clean energy and give Stark Industries new ways to survive. Even as his proprietary technology was still in its infancy, Tony hosted the Stark Expo to offer a chance for even more intelligent minds to show how they could contribute to saving the world as well.
That said, following his death in Avengers: Endgame, Tony’s past still caught up to him in a way that made his company look almost as bad as it did in the past. A great example of this was the drones from the E.D.I.T.H. system that Mysterio used to nearly kill hundreds of tourists. These events placed Stark Industries in a bad position publicly and forced the company to endure hefty legal action. Furthermore, these same drones and older Stark tech are now being used to hunt enhanced individuals, like the Sonic Cannon on Ms. Marvel. But as Stark Industries entered some murky water with public opinion, Howard Stark could have paved the way to save face for the company that would result in a powerful rebranding — Stark Resilient.
What Is Stark Resilient?
In the comics, Stark Resilient was Tony Stark’s definitive shift away from weapons. Rather than focusing on destruction, Stark Resilient would instead focus on creation, whether with new technology or new jobs. The first thing he showcased to show this shift was a car powered by his Arc Reactor technology. As the world’s first clean and renewable energy automobile, it established that Stark Resilient was ready for something greater than making weapons. It may also be the right direction for Stark Industries in the MCU.
Howard Stark was potentially more of a futurist than Tony Stark as he had even created elements, or was at least on the verge of it, and left his son to put the final piece together. It wasn’t the only time he was forward-thinking, as he also created the world’s first hovercar. While it was still a work in progress, it was merely missing a powerful energy source that only an Arc Reactor could provide. As a result, Howard’s hovercar design could be the blueprint for Stark Resilient’s first contribution to the world. Furthermore, its name would also represent how the company would remain resilient in its efforts to do the right thing even after negative publicity.
How Could This Change Redefine the Stark Brand?
The hovercar design first introduced in Captain America: The First Avenger would only be the start of the big changes Stark Resilient could bring to the world. The comics version of the company also focused on better housing, which would work well in the MCU as so many homes have been destroyed thanks to the countless battles that have occurred. But in terms of expansion, it could also be a hub for young minds to push themselves and secure employment. For example, Stark Resilient could help Riri Williams upgrade her MK armor. But Stark Resilient could also outfit other Marvel heroes with tech to better protect them, as it would be what Tony would’ve wanted.
The biggest contribution, however, is the possibility that the company could one day work with The Fantastic Four, genius creators in their own right. Whether it be ways to better travel the planet or the galaxy, Stark Resilient could lay the groundwork for something Howard and Tony Stark wouldn’t have dreamt of. Even better is the legacy it would leave behind for Tony’s daughter as a place that helps heroes and, most importantly, the people they protect.
