Like it or Not, Robert Downey Jr. Says There's No Plans For IRON MAN 4



Right before the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con International began last August, word got out that Robert Downey Jr. was optimistic about a potential return of Tony Stark in a hopeful Iron Man 4 movie.

"It’s that thing of: why give up the belt when it feels like you can barely get jabbed? Most people are saying that right when they get knocked out," Downey Jr. told Entertainment Weekly in July. "The future is, as usual, uncertain."

As it often happens on the Internet, the words Downey Jr. actually spoke became twisted and turned into a way where some websites began reporting that Iron Man 4 was close to happening. Of course the 'click baiters' got it wrong and Downey Jr. has set to record straight... officially.

“There isn’t one in the pipe,” Downey said to Variety. “No, there’s no plan for a fourth ‘Iron Man.'”

The actor has wrapped his part of filming Avengers: Age of Ultron and has only one remaining Marvel Studios film left on his contract, with Avengers 3. After that, it seems Stark will walk into the proverbial sunset and an end to Downey's run with Marvel Studios as Iron Man / Tony Stark will come to a close. That is until they reboot or recast the character after the studio is done introducing new characters such as Ant-Man, Doctor Strange and other heroes who need their turn to shine on the big screen.

Do not doubt that Iron Man will be back in a future Marvel Studios solo film, Disney even surveyed it a few months back when Captain America: The Winter Soldier opened in theaters to gauge fan interest in another Iron Man movie. It's an easy billion dollar worldwide film with Downey attached to it. But whether or not it comes with Downey Jr. in it remains to be seen.

After Avengers 3, it honestly may take a while for Stark's return. Reason being is that Guardians of the Galaxy has now proved the brand of Marvel Studios movies is stronger than ever and the draw of Downey Jr. is not needed as much as in past years to help build the studios' brand.

Avengers: Age of Ultron releases in theaters on May 1, 2015.