When you think about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you think first and foremost about Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man. The actor has portrayed both Tony Stark and his superhero alter-ego – to perfection – in three solo movies, three ensemble movies (including Captain America: Civil War), a cameo in The Incredible Hulk, and is currently set to reprise his role next year in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
So when talk sparks around Robert Downey, Jr. being replaced or retiring from the MCU, you know that things can get ugly, and they can get ugly pretty quickly.
Marvel trusts the actor and so do his co-stars. During a lengthy interview with ABC, Chris Evans explained why that happens.
But this is not the point here - sure, Robert Downey Jr. may help with rewriting scenes, and he may improvise a lot (thus making a difference and adding to the quality of a movie). The point here, right now, is that the actor has revealed that he feels like he can do one more Iron Man flick.
And for those left with a bad taste after the pretty awful twist of Iron Man 3, a fourth installment in the franchise is a must. It wouldn't just introduce Iron Man's biggest enemy from the comics, but it would also bring a proper ending to the franchise that started it all.
Seeing that Marvel keeps filling his pockets, this surely looks like a palpable possibility. But should we see this statement as more than just marketing? After all, Robert Downey, Jr. also said that Civil War feels like the fourth Iron Man to him.
Anyway, if the proper Iron Man finale does happen, when could it be scheduled? The MCU's Phase III slate is already overstuffed (since Spider-Man made an entrance into this shared universe), with several other high-profile characters waiting to be introduced.
So do you believe that RDJ was just toying with us? Do you want another Iron Man flick? And, if so, isn't Phase III the best time for it to happen?
