In the Marvel comic books, Iron Man has already passed the baton of his superhero ways to a younger female successor in the name of Riri Williams and whose alter ego is known as Iron Heart.
As such, rumors are now swirling that if and when Marvel Studios decides to give “Iron Man 4” a green light sometime in 2020 at the earliest, the movie might no longer show Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark and Iron Man.
Instead, it is possible that Marvel might recast the role and follow the plotline on the comic books by assigning a young actress to take on the role of Riri Williams and Iron Heart, reports the Parent Herald.
However, that remains as mere speculation at this time pending the official confirmation or denial from Marvel Studios.
It is not the first time that rumors have said that Robert Downey Jr. shall be replaced with a female protagonist in “Iron Man 4.”
A few months ago, reports also started going around that Natasha Romanoff, also known as the Black Widow, played in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by actress Scarlett Johansson, shall become the lead for “Iron Man 4” also basing on the Marvel comic book featuring Iron Man and the Ultimates.
Two possible reasons why RDJ may be out
Based on the fan speculations, there are two possible reasons why Robert Downey Jr. might already opt out of the role of Tony Stark and Iron Man in “Iron Man 4.”
First is the age factor. The actor is not getting any younger and his body can only take so much of being in the iron suit and keeping up with the rigors of the role.
The second and more important factor is the budget that Marvel Studios would incur in making the film. Because of RDJ’s role as Tony Stark and Iron Man, he has become the highest-paid actor in the world for three years running. And if the production company is to do an “Iron Man 4,” it is possible that the actor’s salary might already make it to the $150 million mark.
When “Iron Man 3” was released in April 2013, Robert Downey Jr. was paid by Marvel Studios a whopping $50 million. Last year, despite being an action ensemble of Marvel superheroes, the actor was paid a staggering $80 million. This year, for the “Captain America: Civil War,” where Tony Stark and Iron Man only played support to Chris Evan’s Steve Rogers and Captain America, Robert Downey Jr. was paid $40 million.
RDJ expects to receive more than $80 million each for the two-part “Avengers: Infinity War” to hit theaters in 2018 and 2019.
Marvel Studios could focus on the development of “Iron Man 4” immediately after completing the two-part “Avengers: Infinity War” but if the production company really becomes conscious of cost, then it is possible that it may decide to recast the role and give it to someone else who does not command a salary as huge as that of Robert Downey Jr, notes Game & Guide.
To meet his demise early?
There are also rumors saying that Tony Stark in the MCU shall die but not in the two-part “Avengers: Infinity War” but in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” due to hit theaters in July next year.
Logic would dictate that these new round of rumors are not only absurd but also improbable. Tony Stark and Iron Man are regular fixtures of “Avengers” movies and if Tony Stark dies in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” then he will no longer show up in the two-part third and final “Avengers” movie.