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With the last solo “Iron Man” movie gracing theaters back in 2013, Robert Downey Jr. has never gotten a break from being asked about making a comeback with a solo “Iron Man 4” movie. With 10 years under his belt as Tony Stark, the “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” star has essentially become the public face of the comic book character for multiple generations of Marvel fans.
Robert Downey Jr.'s seeming irreplaceability makes fans worry about the multi-millionaire genius' future with the Marvel cinematic universe (MCU). Downey's own inconsistency when it comes to talking about “Iron Man 4” does not help. Back in 2016, in an interview with ABC News Nightline, Downey mentioned that he was still open to playing one more “Iron Man” film at some point.
But fast forward to a year later, Downey, in an interview with News Corp Australia, talked about not wanting to mar the legacy that he has created as Tony Stark with another solo “Iron Man” film. The actor mentioned hanging up his jersey before things get embarrassing.
Robert Downey Jr.'s MCU career in the past two years has started to become either cameo roles in other superheroes' movies such as “Spider-man: Homecoming,” or under the greater scope of the “Avengers” series of films. News of a potential “Iron Man 4” with Downey reprising his character has yet to be confirmed.
“Iron Man 4” may be stuck in limbo because of Marvel's delicate contract situation with Downey, who is supposedly signed up only until 2019's fourth “Avengers” movie. With the potential plot direction of “Avengers 4,” fans are already speculating that the upcoming conclusion to the MCU's Thanos arc may mean Robert Downey Jr.'s exit from playing Tony Stark.
As the third highest-grossing U.S. Domestic box office star of all time, keeping Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark would be incredibly expensive for the growing MCU. If “Iron Man 4” doesn't bring in more than enough to justify the Tony Stark price tag, fans may have to look forward to Marvel promoting their other superheroes who cost less to cast and market, or even a potential replacement of Tony Stark as Iron Man.
Fans shouldn't expect Downey to sign up for “Iron Man 4” anytime soon until more news is released after “Avengers 4” opens in May 2019.
