For the majority of moviegoers, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began and ended with Robert Downey Jr‘s Tony Stark / Iron Man.
Almost 16 years ago, Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures took a US$140 million gamble on the since-rehabilitated actor; and the former was soon rewarded thereafter with a multi-billion-dollar franchise that not only redefined the genre, but (for better or for worse) influenced our entire landscape of cinema.
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In 2019, Downey Jr bid the very catalyst behind his career renaissance farewell with Avengers: Endgame. He exited the MCU as one of the highest-paid actors in history — US$75 million, with a rumoured 8% back-end deal earning him an extra US$55 million for Endgame alone — while fans watched their beloved Tony Stark make the ultimate sacrifice play: saving the universe at the cost of his life.
Naturally, while many have deemed this a “perfect ending” for the character’s arc, there have been consistent calls for RDJ to reprise his role as Tony Stark / Iron Man ever since. But what does the Academy Award-winning name himself have to say about a potential return? More importantly, would he ever?
“Happily… It’s too integral a part of my DNA. The role chose me,” he told Vanity Fair, when prompted about the matter.
And despite the recent struggles of Marvel Studios — ranging from lacklustre box office returns to haphazardly restructuring an entire “phase” post-Jonathan Majors drama — Downey Jr is confident the MCU will pull through: “I always say. Never ever bet against [President of Marvel Studios] Kevin Feige. It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
Last year, a feature article published by Variety detailing Marvel Studios’ ongoing troubles indicated the idea to “bring back the original gang for an Avengers movie” — including a revival of both Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man and Scarlett Johansson’s equally-deceased Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow — had been floated in an attempt to recapture the original magic (read: regain favour with audiences).
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Of course, nothing ever came of these discussions. Especially considering a) the hefty cost, and b) the packed shooting schedules of all involved. But the very fact that it was pitched in such an official capacity means it still remains a very real possibility.
Let’s see where the chips fall for this one.
