Actor Robert Downey Jr. recently teased Marvel fans that Tony Stark could return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Downey told GQ magazine that there’s always a chance he’ll return as Iron Man or Tony Stark despite the character’s death in “Avengers: Endgame.”
- “Well ... I have alighted, for now. Real-world to save. But never say never.”
Downey has been working with the Footprint Coalition, which has worked to provide new technology to help fix Earth, according to ComicBook.com.
Flashbacks
Downey has opened up a lot about playing Iron Man since his final appearance in “Endgame.” He has teased potential returns in the past.
- Downey told the “Today” show: “Now that I’m middle-aged, to be honest, you start looking at the back nine and you go, ‘Oh, this is part of the journey as you … that things end.’ You know, everyone is going somewhere.”
- He told Extra: “Yeah, anything could happen. ... As far as I’m concerned, I hung up my guns and I’m good to let it go. I also think Marvel is on this journey now and they’re trying a bunch of other stuff, and I’m excited for them to see how all that goes. It’s hard to project.”
There was also a rumor back in 2019 that Downey planned to return in a new series called “Ironheart,” based on the superhero of the same name, which I wrote about in the past. Ironheart is the superhero nickname for teenage genius Riri Williams, who carries on Iron Man’s legacy.
- For the series, Downey would reportedly do voiceover work that would help Williams train as Ironheart.
That said ...
Downey said back in September 2020 on the “SmartLess” podcast with Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes that he is done with the role, which I wrote about as well.
- “That’s all done. As far as I’m concerned, I hung up my guns and I’m good to let it go.”