Summary
Robert Downey Jr. has commented on returning asIron Man, and whileAvengers: Secret Warsis the fan-favorite place for him to do so, I think there is a better alternative.Downey is the most important actor in theMarvel Cinematic Universe’s history. The star was responsible for starting the franchise with a bang in 2008’sIron Manand remained the main face of the MCU for anIron Man trilogyand more for over a decade. WhileAvengers: Endgamesaw Tony Stark die, that does not mean that he can’t come back.
While the actor previously seemed to be over the MCU, after his several awards forOppenheimer, RDJ seems to be ready for a Marvel return. Recently,Downey Jr. revealed that he is open to returning as Iron Man, saying, “It’s just crazily in my DNA… I’ve become surprisingly open-minded to the idea.” With the MCU needing major wins after multiple controversial movies and series over the Multiverse Saga,RDJ’s Iron Man return would be better now than ever. While he, Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson could return in Avengers: Secret Wars, I want to see Iron Man before then.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man Return Feels Closer Than Ever 5 Years After His MCU Ending
While Tony Stark is dead, Robert Downey Jr. has recently made a return as Iron Man very much possible, and it would fit the MCU’s new direction.
Tony Stark Could Return As An AI In The MCU
Taking A Page From Marvel Comics
The MCU has the perfect setup for RDJ to repeat a famous storyline from Marvel Comics. In case he died,Tony Stark designed an A.I. that would essentially serve as a backup of himselfto keep his legacy alive. In the comics, the A.I. was sent to a young genius Stark had been keeping tabs on — Riri Williams — with the A.I. Tony Stark then serving as a mentor to Ironheart. It was with the A.I.’s help that Riri took the next step to becoming a superhero under the Ironheart moniker.
2008
2013
Iron Man 2
2010
I think the same could happen in the MCU. While RDJ and other major Marvel stars returning inAvengers: Secret Warswould make sense and be an exciting moment, the actor could return as the A.I. Tony Stark in two other projects before appearing in the Multiverse Saga’s finale.Ironheartcould feature the start of the A.I. story from the comics, even if only for its final episode, setting up a larger role for Downey in his Iron Man return. Asthe A.I. Tony could operate Iron Man armors, I think RDJ could also play a major role inArmor Wars.
Every Version Of The MCU Iron Man Armor Tony Stark Built
Despite his proclivity for danger, Tony Stark built more Iron Man suits than he could wear. Here’s every armor he donned throughout the MCU.
How Iron Man’s Return Could Help Ironheart And Armor Wars
The MCU Is Going Through Changes
Iron Man’s MCU return would be perfect for the shared universe by bringing back its most popular character when the franchise faces the most criticism it ever has. Downey Jr.’s possible return as Tony Stark could have its biggest impact onIronheartandArmor Wars. If Marvel decided to follow the comics' A.I. Tony Stark storyline, then I thinkit would catapult Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams into becoming one of the most important characters in the MCU. If Riri has Tony as her mentor, just like Spider-Man previously had, then Ironheart’s MCU stock is bound to go up.
As forArmor Wars,no character has a closer bond to Rhodey than RDJ’s Tony Stark. The two were best friends, which plays a huge role in the controversial reveal inSecret InvasionthatRhodey had been swapped with a SkrullsinceCaptain America: Civil War. The public outcry was about how War Machine was not there when Tony died; however, having Downey Jr. back as Iron Man could play a role in Rhodey accepting what he has lost and living his life again. WithArmor Wars' status uncertain, RDJ back as Iron Man could help move the film forward.
Armor Wars: Cast, Story Details & Everything We Know
War Machine’s upcoming feature, Armor Wars, is based on a Marvel Comics event of the same name. Here’s what Armor Wars is really about.
Marvel Has Delayed The Two Iron Man-Related Projects
Ironheart Finished Filming In 2022
RDJ’s Iron Man return comments are timely for his MCU comeback. Not only could Marvel Studios use the return of its biggest star to combat criticism, but the studio has delayed the two projects that could have Iron Man return beforeAvengers: Secret Wars.Ironheartfinished filming in November 2022. Despite that, the series has faced delays and has yet to premiere, with a current release set for some time in 2025.
Ironheart: Cast, Story & Everything We Know About The MCU Disney+ Show
Dominique Thorne will star as Riri Williams in Ironheart on Disney+, but who’s joining her, and what threat will they face? Here’s everything we know.
Armor Warswas first conceived as a series before becoming a movie. The project has no filming start date set. Based on that, there is still time forIronheartreshoots to add Donwey as the A.I. Tony Stark for multiple episodes, with Marvel working on theArmor Warsscript to make Iron Man a major part of it. While I would enjoy it if RDJ ends up only coming back as Iron Man inAvengers: Secret Wars, I think a final multi-project arc asIron Manthat culminates in the Avengers movie would be more exciting.
Ironheart
Cast
Ironheart: Following Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart introduces Riri Williams, a prodigious inventor navigating her path back in Chicago. Balancing her inventive prowess in creating iron suits with the enigmatic presence of Parker Robbins, known as The Hood, Riri finds herself at the intersection of technology and magic.
Armor Wars
Initially conceived as a Disney+ series, Armor Wars is an MCU movie centered on Rhodey Rhodes' mission to honor Tony Stark’s legacy and keep his Iron Man technology from wreaking havoc when they fall into the wrong hands. Starring Don Cheadle as War Machine, Marvel Studios' Armor Wars adapts the eponymous comic book storyline to the big screen in the Multiverse Saga.
