Fans have seen the last of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man in the latter’s most emotional death scene in the 2019 Avengers: Endgame, but that doesn’t stop fans from speculating about the actor’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In November 2023, news emerged that Marvel Studios is considering doing a new Avengers movie with its six original actors to save the studio from several box office flops, like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels. However, though Kevin Feige has already confirmed that Downey will never be seen as Iron Man again, the Sherlock Holmes star has hinted at the possibility of joining the MCU again, renewing fans’ hope.
In an interview with Esquire after winning an Oscar for his role as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer in March, Downey Jr. was asked if he would ever return to the MCU after being an official Academy Winner. And to the joy of many, the 59-year-old responded positively and revealed he would happily do so.
“Happily,” he said. “It’s too integral a part of my DNA.”
Starting playing the role of Tony Stark in the 2008 Iron Man, Downey Jr. reprised his role for 11 years, with Endgame being the last. As no one could play that character as he did, leaving a mark on the minds of many, he believed the role chose him. And despite Feige’s confirmation of his departure in December 2023, he quickly dismissed the Marvel Studios president’s claim.
“And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige,’” he continued. “It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
How can Iron Man return to the MCU?
Fans already witnessed Iron Man’s death due to the immense gamma radiation after using the Infinity Stones to snap Thanos and his army away in Endgame. Despite that, many still hope to see their favorite Avenger again. That said, there are several theories about how Iron Man can return to the MCU fold.
The possible way that Marvel Studios can resurrect Iron Man from the dead is by introducing a new Tony Stark variant from the multiverse. As this may reveal what his life looks like in a parallel world, it can give the character a fresh start and a new story that can continue as Phase Five resumes.
However, if the studio plans to feature an original Iron Man, it can still do so by traveling across time. But as time travel isn’t heavily used in the franchise today, it looks like the multiverse is its only option. This may even support the rumors that the Avengers: Secret Wars will serve as a soft reboot for the MCU, and The Multiverse Saga is maybe Downey Jr.’s way to return to the franchise.
Truly, no one can play Iron Man as Downey Jr. did. However, his future in the MCU remains to be seen after he dies in Endgame. But without a doubt, his return may help restore Marvel’s success at the box office.
