Robert Downey, Jr. has been the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2008's Iron Man, and in just a couple of days, he’ll appear once again in a movie that isn't focused on Tony Stark. And why not? After all, he’s a major draw, and we can bet that he has a lucrative deal with Disney.
At age 52, might action sequences be a bit taxing? RDJ is aware that it might be time for another actor/superhero to take the Marvel Cinematic Universe to new heights. We’re betting that Spider-Man is that new hero, as the events of the Homecoming sequel will begin minutes after those of the fourth Avengers movie.
During an interview with News.com, the actor said that he’s ready to retire from the role of Tony Stark before things become embarrassing:
Everyone says to me it's like a glove that fits so well. I have to start over every time, but I am starting over with a pretty solid base. I just never want to blow it for the last six or seven [movies] I have done by dropping the ball because I decided to go do it one more time. I just want to hang up my jersey before it's embarrassing.
We don't know what he's talking about! Captain America: Civil War marked a new high as far as his performance was concerned.
The actor also made it clear that it isn't about the money:
It's this cyclical thing I could have said when the first Avengers came out: “It's never going to get any better than that. Everybody stop.” But to me, it's always about people and opportunities, like (Avengers directors Anthony and Joe) Russo, who I adore.
Based on his previous hints, we’re assuming that Kevin Feige will retire Tony Stark. But will it be in Avengers: Infinity War, or in the still-untitled Avengers 4?