Robert Downey Jr. reveals his one hilarious condition to coming back for Iron Man 4. As Marvel Cinematic Universe’s inaugural hero, Downey was in the franchise for 11 years, appearing in multiple films throughout that time period. In 2019, however, he ended his stint as Iron Man via Avengers: Endgame. Despite that, the clamor for his return to the MCU continues well deep into the Multiverse Saga.
Speaking with Extra TV, the actor is once again asked about the chances of him starring in Iron Man 4, and he perfectly evades the topic by revealing his hilarious condition for it. Watch the clip below:
For context, Downey was initially talking about working with Tom Cruise in a possible Tropic Thunder sequel. When the conversation shifted to Iron Man 4, he smartly conflated the topics saying:
Interviewer: What about Iron Man 4
RDJ: Does he [Tom Cruise] wanna do that? Tom don’t take it!
Can Iron Man 4 Still Happen With RDJ’s Tony Stark
Downey’s Tony Stark dies in Avengers: Endgame. While not everyone is happy about the creative direction that directors Joe and Anthony Russo took with the character, it’s difficult to argue about the moment’s emotionality. That being said, just because the character is already dead, it doesn’t mean that he cannot come back to the MCU. Marvel Studios has done multiple fake deaths in the past, although it may not be the move forward. Instead, utilizing the multiverse could be the best way to do it.
If Marvel Studios wants to bring back Downey’s Iron Man, there is no scarcity of ways to do it. That being said, it may be best if they don’t as it may cheapen his rather emotional and well-executed send-off in Avengers: Endgame. Down the road, a cameo may be in the cards, especially with the burgeoning multiverse, but fully returning to the MCU is likely not a possibility. This means that doing an Iron Man 4 starring Downey is almost impossible.
The MCU is currently in the Multiverse Saga Phase 5, with Marvel Studios deep in laying the groundwork for its current storytelling’s culmination. Given this, it’s understandable that they are focused on the future and not the past. Bringing back Downey’s character for Iron Man 4, or any other founding hero who has ended their stints in the Infinity Saga will only derail their plans. That being said, there’s something comforting in the knowledge that there’s a way for Stark to return to the franchise.
Source: Extra TV
Key Release Dates
This story originally appeared on Screenrant