Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most notable names in pop culture for his role as Iron Man. He has been an integral part of the iconic MCU and one of the main attractions of the franchise. However, the character faced his unfortunate end in Avengers: Endgame. Even though it was painful for the fans to say goodbye, we all knew it was a beautiful conclusion to Tony Stark’s story.
Despite Robert Downey Jr.’s story seemingly ending with Endgame, MCU fans have never stopped theorizing about the possibilities of his return. But the actor has repeatedly made it clear that he would not let his character’s legacy go to waste and will only do what’s best.
Although the Iron Man fame didn’t shut the doors of return forever, he will not even think about it if the story isn’t convincing enough. His words are evidence of the fact that he doesn’t want to ruin the legacy he built over the years.
Robert Downey Jr. hasn’t shut down the MCU doors forever
Robert Downey Jr. is notable for being the first one to start the MCU. His 2008’s Iron Man kickstarted one of the greatest media franchises. With time, it became a pop culture sensation and amassed uncountable fans who root for it.
Avengers: Endgame provided a beautiful conclusion to Tony Stark’s story when he sacrificed himself at the end to defeat the mad Titan. However, later in an interview with GQ Magazine, the Sherlock Holmes actor assured his fans that he didn’t shut the door to the MCU forever.
“Well…I have alighted, for now. Real world to save. But never say never.”
It is not the first time we heard such statements from the actor. Robert Downey Jr. has given similar statements in other interviews as well where he chose to leave his fans in mystery instead of confirming anything.
Will Robert Downey Jr. not let anybody else take the role of Iron Man?
While this is a callback to a very funny clip of the Oppenheimer actor, it can’t be ignored how he didn’t want any other actor to take the role of Iron Man. In an interview with ExtraTV when RDJ was being questioned about a Tropic Thunder sequel, the topic of a potential Iron Man 4 project was also asked.
Robert Downey Jr. gave a hilarious response and asked if Tom Cruise wanted to do that. When the interviewer said that the world wanted to see him instead, he avoided the question and stated.
“Okay! Tom, don’t take it! Don’t take it!”
It is very hard to imagine any other name in the armor but it can’t be denied that RDJ wouldn’t be there forever to play the role. Earlier, he stated to GQ Magazine that there was a Spider-Man before Tom Holland and there will be another after him. It makes it evident that he is aware of someone else taking over the armor and carrying on the legacy of Iron Man.
Robert Downey Jr. wants a convincing story for Iron Man’s return
The 58-year-old actor left the role of Iron Man after playing it for a decade due to several reasons. While he couldn’t find ample time for his family due to the demanding schedule of the big-budget blockbusters, he was equally tired of doing the same thing for such a long time.
In his latest Oppenheimer, he delivered an impressive and completely different performance. He was open to the fact that he was very happy to try out something different as he was also afraid that playing the same role for such a long time also affected his acting potential. Appearing in an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, he ensured that he wouldn’t return if it’s not compelling enough.
“There would have to be a super compelling argument and a series of events that made it obvious. But the other thing is, I wanna do other stuff.”
Robert Downey Jr. doesn’t want to return for a mere cash grab. However, it can’t be denied that making Iron Man return will be a very risky feat for the MCU. Even RDJ knows how it might affect the whole experience of Endgame. But Avengers: Secret Wars can be a potential project that can give him a convincing return even if it’s limited to a cameo appearance.
