Although it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Robert Downey Jr. taking on the Iron Man mantle, there are rumors that the actor might soon retire from the role. (Photo : Getty Images/ Kevin Winter)
It's been three years since "Iron Man 3" hit theatres, and now there's hot anticipation for the next installment. Although it's hard to imagine anyone other than Robert Downey Jr. taking on the Iron Man mantle, there are rumors that the actor might soon retire from the role.
Rumors are circulating that Downey might not reprise his role in "Iron Man 4" due to budget constraints. The actor is worth $240 million, making him the highest paid actor in Marvel Cinematic Universe's roster.
Another issue is that the 51-year-old Downey would be too old to play Iron Man by the time the fourth movie goes into production.
There are two theories as to how Downey might make his exit from the grand franchise. In the comic books, Tony Stark is "in the middle of a very big" storyline. In an interview with Time, Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis revaled that Stark is at a point in his life where he is going through an emotional and stressful whirlwind after finding out the truth about his parents, his best friend's death, and seeing the collapse of his company.
This crisis will unfold at the end of "Civil War II," so it's likely the fate of "Iron Man 4" will be announced by then. It's expected that he will be replaced by Riri Williams, a.k.a Iron Heart, the genius M.I.T student whom Stark took interest in because she was able to recreate one of his old Iron Man suits in her dorm room.
Even with these rumors, Downey himself previously confirmed that he's interested in doing one more "Iron Man" film. In an appearance on Ellen, Downey said he's in talks with Marvel for "Iron Man 4."
For now, there seems to be no tentative date in sight and the Marvel line-up for Phase 3 has already been scheduled until 2019. Fans will see Downey suit up as Iron Man in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" where he is expected to play mentor to Tom Holland's Peter Parker. Holland made a cameo appearance in "Captain America: Civil War" after his character was tapped by Stark to join Team Iron Man. Downey is also joining "Avengers: Infinity War" in 2018.
