In a recent interview, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said that they have no plans of rebooting or recasting Iron Man soon.
He pointed out that while Iron Man just like James Bond, Batman, or Spider-Man are iconic characters and can be portrayed by different actors over time, Feige said that he does not have to think about that for a long time, notes Australia Network News.
The Marvel boss went on to explain that the characters have been around for more than 50 years and have become relatively ageless. He explained that sometimes there are alternate stories where the character is younger than they usually are, or older, but they usually maintain a certain age.
Feige’s statements only confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. will still play the role of Iron Man in the event that “Iron Man 4” is given the green light by Marvel Studios after the Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ends in 2019.
Some critics, however, believe that Feige actually alluded to the possibility that Marvel Studios would eventually come to a point that they have to recast the character because of the age factor. Whether that happens in “Iron Man 4” or not remains to be seen.
Three mystery Marvel movies in 2020
As it is, there are three mystery Marvel movies slated to be released to theaters in 2020 and there are speculations that one of them is going to be “Iron Man 4.” However, the production company has yet to confirm the rumors as well as to ascertain whether there will indeed be an “Iron Man 4” or not, points out Mobile & Apps.
There were reports saying that Marvel Studios is getting very skeptical about getting Robert Downey Jr. to once again star in “Iron Man 4” because of the huge salary that he is asking considering that the actor has become a bankable Marvel star since taking on the role of Tony Stark and donning the iron suit in “Iron Man” released in 2008.
Marvel Studios has confirmed that Phase 3 of its MCU will end on “Avengers: Infinity War Part 2” which is set to hit theaters in 2019. The other Marvel movie that is expected to be released that year is “Captain Marvel” which has been rumored to be taken on by a female actress.
Subsequently, Marvel lined up three movies in 2020 but has not given the official title for each. Previous rumors were saying that “Iron Man 4” will be one of those three mystery Marvel movies.
It is not clear whether there will be a Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe or no longer but if there will be none, then “Iron Man 4” seems unlikely.
Will there be a Phase 4 of MCU?
But if there is going to be a fourth phase to the MCU, it is likely that it would feature the other Marvel superheroes or the sequels to the other films.
From the looks of it, it appears that Marvel Studios has allocated up to three movies for each of its superhero. Iron Man had his three, Captain America just had his three. And the next one who shall have his three is Thor.
If Marvel Studios decide to make an “Iron Man 4,” it shall also be obligated to do a “Captain America 4” or a “Thor 4” which seem too far-fetched already. With that being said, the chances of having an “Iron Man 4” hitting theaters in 2020 or later look very slim..
It seems that if there would be a continuation to the MCU, it would already feature the continuation of the other stand-alone films. After the three Marvel superheroes will have their three stand-alone movies, the next one to get his second is Ant-Man, in “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”