When we first heard that Robert Downey, Jr. would reprise Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, in Spider-Man: Homecoming, we expected a simple cameo. However, with the arrival of each trailer, it’s becoming clearer that the genius billionaire playboy philanthropist has a far more significant role. Some are even accusing the Jon Watts flick of being Iron Man 4.
If you agree with that, we have good news, although others may not be so happy. RDJ won't return for the yet-to-be-titled Spider-Man: Homecoming sequel, according to a new report by The Hollywood Reporter on the Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios Spider-Man deal. The report also revealed that Carnage will be introduced in the Venom movie and solo movies for Kraven the Hunter and Mysterio are in development.
According to the report, the sequel to the upcoming July 7, 2017 release, which will hit the theaters on July 5, 2019, will feature a Marvel character in a supporting role, but it won't be Iron Man. Marvel and Sony are in the process of selecting a specific character.
We probably shouldn’t expect to see Michael Keaton's Adrian Toomes, aka the Vulture, after Spider-Man: Homecoming. The Hollywood Reporter learned that Keaton signed a one-picture deal, and, while the actor could expand on that deal, it doesn't appear that the studios have plans for The Vulture beyond Homecoming.
This really isn’t surprising. Most Marvel Cinematic Universe supervillains, including Iron Monger (Jeff Bridges), Whiplash (Mickey Rourke), Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), Ultron (James Spader), and Yellowjacket (Corey Stoll), only appear in one movie. In the MCU, heroes typically don't die and villains typically don't survive.