Hammer's Edge: The Rise of an Empire

In this MCU/X-Men Alternate Universe (AU), the protagonist, an original character (OC), wakes up to find themselves in the body of Justin Hammer, two years before the events of Iron Man. Armed with future knowledge of the MCU, the protagonist inherits Hammer Industries, an international weapons conglomerate, and sets out to change the course of events, not by destroying Tony Stark, but by outsmarting him. While Justin Hammer is often portrayed as a joke in the films, the protagonist sees potential in him—a man overshadowed by Stark’s genius, but still resourceful and driven. With access to vast resources, the protagonist is determined to seize this second chance at life, using Hammer’s wealth and influence to build a new empire.