Robert Downey Jr. gained global recognition through his portrayal of Tony Stark aka Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While his portfolio is already filled with amazing projects, donning the superhero suit led him to become the apple of many eyes. Not only did the Iron Man sub-franchise become immensely popular, but it also helped in establishing the MCU we know today. His contribution to the franchise is surely huge given that his character not only helped in founding the Avengers but also saved the universe from Thanos!
Superheroes That Can Replace Robert Downey Jr. as MCU’s New Captain
Given that the Marvel Cinematic Universe explored the arc of several characters by making them the central characters in their solo flicks, it presented us with the idea of how powerful they stand individually. With Avengers: Endgame, the arc of Robert Downey Jr.‘s Iron Man concluded as he gave his life to save the world from Thanos.
Since then, the MCU has extended a lot bringing in new characters however they still need a leader to guide them through the ordeals they will go through in their superhero journey. Fans have different opinions on who can handle the responsibility in the future and the list is given below.
Shang-Chi
Phase 4 of the MCU introduced Shang-Chi (played by Simu Liu) who possesses great talent to be the next MCU leader. Not only did he inherit Ten Rings from his father, but he also trained to be an assasin since childhood making him adaptable to whatever he is assigned with. He has pretty much every trait of the founding Avengers. From having a similar background as Natasha Romanoff to having possession of a powerful tech like that of Tony Stark, it all sums up to make him one of the best contenders for the role.
Sam Wilson
After Chris Evans‘ Steve Rogers handed over his Captain America shield to his close ally, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, he took on the former’s title. His flying abilities further back him up which makes him strong and quite fast to deal with the bad guys. He also is a great counselor which makes him highly capable of dealing with any possible fallout of being Captain America. Given that he has worked under Cap for quite a while before becoming his successor, his prior experience further makes him a potential candidate to replace Downey Jr in the MCU.
Peter Parker
Despite being a teenager, Tom Holland’s Peter Parker aka Spider-Man has already experienced a lot all thanks to his mentor, Iron Man. From friendly neighborhood Spidey to engaging in a multiverse conflict, his character has surely witnessed a lot of events. Given that Iron Man has himself acknowledged his young companion’s abilities, he surely deserves to be on the list of potential candidates replacing his mentor’s position in the MCU.
Carol Danvers
While many old characters have either passed away, left, or retired from their role, Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel still stands strong. Being the inspiration behind the creation of the Avengers Initiative, her abilities put her in a completely different league. From single-handedly facing strong opponents in her solo flick of the same name as her superhero character, she proved that her powers are not to be underestimated. She is always ready to fight which is another similar trait that Tony Stark has thus making her a potential contender to be his replacement.
Fans’ Take on Who They Think is Right to Replace Robert Downey Jr. in MCU
Fans expressed their opinions about the right character they think can replace Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man in the MCU. Check out the tweets here.
Spiderman. Is the Franchise all ways
— Dark Doku (@dark_doku) November 24, 2023
Spider man
Doctor strange
Loki
Moon knight
Daredevil— Hari haran (@19_haranelon) November 24, 2023
One of these pic.twitter.com/Am5kzuqdDp
— Mahaveer (@Thor13042003) November 24, 2023
Captain Marvel or Shang chi!
— Rylieoutthehouse (@Rylieouthouse) November 24, 2023
I feel like Sam or Carol would be a good choice, and no not just because they are both “captians” but I just think it would make the most sense, idk though
— The Real Optimus Prime (@ColbySteffens) November 24, 2023
People tend to stick to what they know best. It’s going to be Spider-Man as he grows into the role and becomes a more mature Peter Parker (assuming Tom Holland sticks around). No one else is near his viability and that includes some of the founding Avengers that are still around.
— Nesferatu (@NESFERA2) November 24, 2023
Spiderman or one of the Caps
— D.U.B.E.M (@therealokeke) November 24, 2023
While opinions surely differ, many fans also added other MCU characters that they think would be right for the role. It is yet to see which character would take on the leadership to guide the MCU given that it is growing at a fast pace.
