The possibility of seeing Robert Downey, Jr. don the suit of Iron Man once again has been a hot topic since his last appearance in Avengers: Endgame. The film’s directors, Joe and Anthony Russo, have now weighed in on this matter.
At the Sands International Film Festival, while speaking with Total Film, Anthony Russo expressed uncertainty about how Downey Jr. could return as Tony Stark, saying, “I don’t know how they would do it. I don’t know what the road to that would be [laughs].” Joe Russo echoed his brother’s sentiment, stating, “I mean, we closed that book, so it would be up to them to figure out how to reopen it.”
The Russos seem convinced that Downey Jr.’s chapter as Iron Man has concluded, especially in the wake of his recent Oscar triumph for Oppenheimer. They spoke with great respect for Downey Jr., drawing attention to his remarkable career rebound. Joe Russo remarked on Downey Jr.’s Oscar victory, appreciating it as “huge” and “validation of his redemption arc.”
Is the MCU Open to the Idea of a Tony Stark Variant Arrival?
The concept of Tony Stark’s return could take the form of a variant, given the recent developments with Marvel’s Multiverse Saga, although Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has expressed a desire to respect the hero’s sacrificial act in Endgame. Feige has assured fans that they have no intentions of undermining such a pivotal scene, stating, “We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again.”
For those looking to revisit Iron Man’s legacy, all 10 MCU films featuring the character are currently streaming on Disney+.
FAQs About Robert Downey, Jr.’s Potential Return to the MCU as Iron Man
What did the Russo Brothers say about Robert Downey, Jr. returning as Iron Man?
The Russo Brothers stated that they don’t know how it would be possible and that the narrative book for Tony Stark had been closed in the MCU. It’s also emphasized that any decision to bring him back would be in the hands of other creatives.
How did Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige respond to the idea of bringing back Tony Stark/Iron Man?
Kevin Feige expressed that the studio intends to honor the significant sacrifice made by Tony Stark in “Avengers: Endgame” and has no plans to undermine it by reintroducing the character.
Could a Tony Stark variant appear in the MCU?
While the concept of a Tony Stark variant is theoretically possible due to the MCU’s expansion into the Multiverse, Marvel Studios seems to have decided against this direction to preserve the integrity of the character’s conclusion in Endgame.
Where can fans watch Iron Man’s appearances in the MCU?
All 10 MCU films featuring Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man are available for streaming on Disney+.
Conclusion
The discussion about whether Robert Downey, Jr. might reprise his role as Iron Man in future MCU projects remains speculative at best. The Russo Brothers, along with Marvel Studios, have expressed their sentiments on protecting the legacy and finality of the character’s journey. While the multiverse presents a narrative loophole, both the directors and Kevin Feige have shown preference for letting Tony Stark’s impactful exit in “Avengers: Endgame” stand as the definitive end of his arc. Die-hard fans can continue to enjoy Downey Jr.’s performances in past MCU films, available on Disney+, as the beloved actor and character continues to inspire future generations of superheroes and audiences alike.