For creating the final Avengers films, Marvel roped in the Russo brothers in 2015. They also got some help from writers behind the Captain America movies, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. The writers had started working on a document that contained Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man and his big sacrifice.
The writers figured out that Tony Stark would have to do something big, like giving his life to save the world. The Russos and the Marvel Studio bosses were on the same page on how Stark’s story will come to an end. This would also show how the character changed since the first Avengers film, where Captain America said he wasn’t the type “to make the sacrifice play.“
Robert Downey Jr. Wasn’t In Favor Of Tony Stark’s Death
But it was important to speak to Robert Downey Jr. about how his iconic character will depart from the MCU. So, the Russo brothers approached the actor to get his approval for Stark’s final adventure.
Anthony Russo said (via MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios):
“We did pitch Robert his arc, because he kicked off the entire MCU. We went over to meet with him, and we pitched it out to him. A lot of the actors are not opinionated about what we do. They like the fact that we are sort of in control of these stories and we are driving where they should go and we have a vision for where they should go and they trust in that.”
Robert Downey Jr. wasn’t sure about the character’s demise that he was so connected to. But in the end, he agreed with the directors and how Tony Stark’s legacy will go forward.
Downey Jr. said:
“Some of the greatest story development in the history of cinema has happened in the last five years at Marvel. I feel great about everything being in good hands. You know, the beat goes on.”
The creative was also aware that it was necessary to make Thanos intimidating. Although the character had been looming behind the action for years, he had appeared for a short time in Guardians of the Galaxy and in the end-credits scenes of two other movies. Fans loved how Tony Stark stood his ground against Thanos, sacrificing his life to save millions.
Robert Downey Jr. Could Return To The MCU
With the Multiverse Saga bringing back variants of different characters, it’s possible that Robert Downey Jr.’s character might be alive in one of the many different realities. This idea stems from what happened in Marvel’s Secret Invasion.
BGR’s Chris Smith has suggested that Tony Stark, whom we have seen over the years, might actually be a Skrull in disguise. Since he’s super smart and was one of the first superheroes in the MCU, there’s a good chance he could have been replaced by a Skrull.
As shown in the series, these outer space invaders can copy any human who doesn’t have superpowers. Considering Stark doesn’t have a superpower, it would have been possible for a Skrull to become Iron Man.
Also Read: Forget About Thanos, Robert Downey Jr. Has Been Slapped by Someone Way Scarier In Black and White
