Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic Iron Man/Tony Stark bowed out in a blaze of glory in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. His sacrifice cemented his legacy as the heart and soul of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, leaving fans with a bittersweet mix of closure and longing.
But lately, whispers of his return have ignited the internet. The rumors stem from two main sources: the upcoming Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars films both set to explore the mind-bending possibilities of the multiverse. However, in a most recent interview, President Kevin Feige has made it clear, much to the dismay of fans around the world that he won’t be coming back.
Kevin Feige Comments on Robert Downey Jr.’s Rumored Return to the MCU
Could Robert Downey Jr. be poised for another go-around as the armored Avenger? This question has been hanging for quite some time. But according to Kevin Feige, Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man will not be returning to the MCU.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, the president of Marvel Studios addressed the rumors. While speaking on whether they would resurrect Iron Man/Tony Stark after he died in Avengers: Endgame, Feige said:
“We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again. We all worked very hard for many years to get to that, and we would never want to magically undo it in any way.”
Endgame director Joe Russo also told the outlet about the last day of shooting the 2019 film.
“We’d already said tearful goodbyes on the last day of shooting. Everybody had moved on emotionally. We promised him it would be the last time we made him do it — ever.”
The mere possibility of RDJ’s return has sent shockwaves through the fandom, whether it’s a fleeting cameo or a full-fledged arc. However, Feige’s recent comments indicate that fans should keep this thought of him coming back away.
Kevin Feige Recalls Casting Robert Downey Jr. Despite Studio Hesitation
Kevin Feige recalls how he and director Jon Favreau battled for the actor to play the titular superhero in the film. The studio was hesitant about casting Downey Jr, but Feige and Favreau were firm to bring him in. Feige said
“It purely came down to the Marvel board being nervous at putting all of their chips in their future films on somebody who famously had those legal troubles in the past,” Feige said of Downey’s arrests. “I wasn’t very good — and I’m still not great — at taking no for an answer. But I also don’t pound my chest to try to get my way. I try to figure out ways to make it as clear to other people why we should head in a direction. And that’s when the idea of a screen test came up.”
In May this year, when Feige attended an event to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the release of Iron Man, spoke about the decision to cast Downey Jr. He shared: (Via ComicBook)
“I think that’s probably one of the greatest decisions in the history of Hollywood. I remember on later movies…I would say, Robert, we wouldn’t be in this mess if it wasn’t for you. Meaning we wouldn’t have a studio if it wasn’t for you.”
Downey’s portrayal of Tony Stark was a revelation. Iron Man not only marked the beginning of a new phase for Downey but also set the stage for the unprecedented success of the MCU. As the MCU progressed, so did the character of Tony Stark.
After more than a decade in the role, Downey bid farewell to the MCU with Avengers: Endgame. While his departure marked the end of an era, Downey’s legacy within the MCU continues to resonate.
