Iron Man 4’ May Still Feature Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark But No Longer as Iron Man!
Finally, after much speculation about whether he will do or not do “Iron Man 4,” Robert Downey Jr. has recently opened his mouth and spoke about the possible Marvel movie. As expected, the outspoken American actor said a mouthful.
It has been widely speculated that if and when “Iron Man 4” is greenlit by Marvel Studios for a possible 2019 or 2020 release date, the actor would no longer be as agile as he was or the age factor would have already caught up with him by then.
In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Downey admitted that he is getting old for his action superhero role and also for donning the Iron Man suit.
He added that he recognizes that he will be turning 50 by the time he promotes the “Iron Man 4” movie. He explained that the clock is ticking down on the amount of memories and participation that he would allow himself and not embarrass the medium with, details the Christian Today.
Downey’s statements seem to prove notions that he will perhaps relinquish the role and allow Marvel Studios to re-cast Tony Stark or simply do what the comic books do which is having someone else other than Tony Stark stepping in to be Iron Man.
There have been previous reports that the someone else could by Ty Simpkins, who played Harley Keener in “Iron Man 3.” Critics believe that Simpkins may be old enough by 2019 to star as the new Iron Man.
Appointing possible new successor
From that notion, speculations began to swirl that it is possible that Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark will appoint Harley as his successor. But there are also other speculations saying that it could be Rhodes, played by Don Cheadle, who is the alter ego of the Iron Patriot, that could become Tony Stark’s successor.
The Ecumenical News also cited that by the time the possible “Iron Man 4” goes into production, Downey’s contract with Marvel Studios may have ended by then. Thus, it seems clear that the production company would have to accept the fact that Downey would have to relinquish his role by then to someone else.
While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm “Iron Man 4,” the earliest that the movie could be shown is in 2020 based on the production company’s movie release date calendar published in October last year where it left three mystery movies in that year.
Of late, the rumors and speculations on the internet are whether actor Robert Downey Jr. will agree to take on the role of Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man in the fourth movie of the very successful superhero franchise.
Tired of playing the part
There have been reports saying that Robert Downey Jr. is getting tired of playing the role of Tony Stark and Iron Man but considering how the franchise has made him the highest paid Hollywood actor in the last three years, it seems unlikely for the actor to simply give up on a prolific role.
Marvel Studios won’t have a problem meeting his salary demands for “Iron Man 4” even if it becomes $150 million or more because all the movies that featured him as Tony Stark and Iron Man really made money at the box office.
The bigger issue for the actor is his age. He is not getting any younger. He is going to be less agile shooting “Iron Man 4” in 2019 compared to the time back in 2011 when he filmed “Iron Man.”
A man in his mid-40s is certainly more athletic and durable compared to a man who is nearing mid-50s. It would also not look good if Robert Downey Jr. is already in his mid-50s but his would-be co-stars in “Iron Man 4” are still in their mid to late 30s.
If and when “Iron Man 4” is greenlit by Marvel Studios and it gets to be released to theaters in 2020, its biggest competition in the box office is no other than DC’s “Batman,” which is also projected to hit cinemas during that year.
While Iron Man may have the experience in the box office, a refreshing take on the Caped Crusader, will most likely turn the tables in favor of the DC Extended Universe.
With the upcoming release of “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” this coming March 25, the complexion of the superhero movie genre would certainly change and while no one would like to admit or dare say it at this time, the DC Extended Universe is expected to give the Marvel Cinematic Universe an excellent run for the money.
By the time 2020 comes, it is most likely that practically annual doses of Iron Man may have already worn thin the character among fans and a new offering like a refreshed Batman would be most welcome.
That is probably the reason why reports have been going around that Marvel Studios may actually reboot the “Iron Man” franchise if and when the movie is officially greenlit for a fourth iteration in 2020.