Iron Man 3 takes place after the events of The Avengers, where Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) is struggling with the aftermath of the alien invasion in New York City. At the same time, a new threat arises in the form of the Mandarin (played by Ben Kingsley), a terrorist who is broadcasting menacing messages to the world.
The Mandarin's attacks on American soil lead to the destruction of Tony's house, leaving him stranded and without his usual resources. Forced to rely on his wits and ingenuity, Tony embarks on a mission to strike back against the Mandarin and his accomplices, including the Extremis-enhanced Aldrich Killian (played by Guy Pearce).
As Tony navigates the dangerous world of international terrorism and tries to uncover the truth about the Mandarin, he is aided by a cast of characters that includes Pepper Potts (played by Gwyneth Paltrow), Rhodey/War Machine (played by Don Cheadle), and a young boy named Harley (played by Ty Simpkins).
Iron Man 3 features explosive action sequences, stunning visual effects, and a strong emphasis on Tony's personal journey as he confronts his fears and demons. The film's climax sees Tony donning a new suit of armor that includes a range of impressive features, setting the stage for the future of the Iron Man franchise.