Robert Downey Jr. (Photo : Getty Images/ Sean Gallup)
There is still uncertainty on the fate of "Iron Man 4" but there are positive signs that both Marvel Studios and Robert Downey, Jr. are amicable to extending the story of Tony Stark-even for one final chapter.
While "Iron Man 4" is not a confirmed project yet, fans have taken the initiative to make suggestions on how it can be presented. In this brief fan-made trailer set to "Hurt" by Johnny Cash(revival of the Nine Inch Nails original)--the song used on the soundtrack of "Logan" which is the final Wolverine movie, the trailer hints of resignation-a theme already explored by "Iron Man 3."
Most of the footage was from Iron Man 3 with hints from "Captain America: Civil War." Which begs the question: If "Iron Man 3" was already the swan song for Tony Stark, why do we need Iron Man 4?
Firstly, "Iron Man 3" is seen as one of the most polarizing movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There were some fans who loved the take on the Mandarin but most of the comic book fans were furious. While Marvel Studios did take a similar approach with Baron Zemo (which meant that they pretty much "humanized" him) in Civil War, that film gets a pass simply because of the ensemble.
Marvel Studios has seemed to acknowledge their error and hinted that there is a "real" Mandarin in the One-Shot feature "All Hail the King" which leads to the question of when he would appear. "Iron Man 4" would be a natural venue.
Shane Black, the director of "Iron Man 3" did admit that "All Hail the King" was "an apology" as he stated in IGN. Will that lead to the Mandarin's appearance which in turn could fuel "Iron Man 4?"
If "Iron Man 4" would have an "Old Man Logan" theme, they would have to see him pass the torch, perhaps not to another Iron Man but simply to another superhero who would become the lead star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's a safe bet that it would be Spider Man.
There is speculation that part of the deal between Marvel and Sony is that Robert Downey, Jr would lend himself to Spider Man, but the wallcrawler would also appear on "Iron Man 4" if and when it finally gets the green light.
