Iron Man 4 Probably Won't Happen Says Robert Downey Jr.

BeforeRobert Downey Jr.was officially announced as a cast member forCaptain America: Civil War, there was a lot of back and forth about whetherIron Man 4would actually happen. Now that we knowTony Starkis definitely returning in the next Cap sequel, we haven’t heard too much about Robert Downey Jr. starring in another standalone movie. Especially since we know he’s returning inAvengers: Infinity War Part Iin 2018. Though, many fans are still curious about whether or notIron Man 4will ever become a reality. Don’t bank on it, according to the man behind the mask.

Robert Downey Jr. likes to refer toCaptain America: Civil Waras his own personalIron Man 4. When the actor sat down withUSA Todayduring a set visit forCaptain America: Civil War, he sounded less than optimistic about ever putting the suit on again without having theAvengersat his back. He explains.

“I don’t think that’s in the cards. In a way it’s Cap 3 but for me it’s like my littleIron Man 4. And then it’s back to the thing we all recognize. Everything pulls over to the side of the road when the thunder of an Avengers thing comes through because that’s how it is until it changes. If it changes.”

Robert Downey Jr. has no qualms about returning as Tony Stark in future Marvel movies, as long as he’s not the sole headliner. There has been talk in the recent past that another actor could come in for future installments, making the character akin toJames Bondand that franchise’s rotating roster. But Robert Downey Jr. wants to play Tony Stark as long as Disney and Marvel let him.

Robert Downey Jr. first appeared as the iconic Marvel superhero in 2008’sIron Man. He then starred in the solo adventuresIron Man 2in 2010 andIron Man 3in 2013. He’s also participated in 2012’sMarvel’s The Avengersand its 2015 sequelAvengers: Age of Ultron. The Iron Man standalone franchise has grossed more than $2 billion worldwide. And Tony Stark is the most prominent member of the Avengers team.

While Robert Downey Jr. is returning inAvengers: Infinity War Part I, the fate of all the Avengers is said to change during the climactic end fight seen inCaptain America: Civil War. A number of characters, whom we won’t reveal here, are rumored to die on screen in this May’s sequel. And there may even be more deaths beforeAvengers: Infinity War - Part IIarrives in 2019. By 2020, Marvel’s Cinematic Universe will look nothing like it does right now. It’s possible thatIron Man 4could be announced as part of Marvel Phase 4, but even if that’s the case, we may be looking at a completely revamped Tony Stark.