Could it be that Marvel is done doing business with Tony Stark?
Iron Man himself, Robert Downey, Jr., dropped a pretty big bomb on fans of the superhero franchise during a recent interview with Variety. Fans have been anxiously waiting to see if a fourth “Iron Man” movie is one of the several unannounced films in Marvel’s production pipeline. But when asked about that possibility, Downey’s response isn’t the one fans wanted to hear.
“There isn’t one in the pipe,” he said. “No, there’s no plan for a fourth ‘Iron Man.'”
Variety also asked him if he would allow anyone else to play the billionaire playboy/superhero. “I like that the idea is that it would be up to me, like I’m casting director for Marvel,” he replied, laughing.
Downey signed with Marvel and Disney for two “Avengers” sequels, so at least Iron Man fans will see more of the superhero in those films, which are scheduled for 2015 and 2018 releases respectively.
Both Marvel and DC Comics are flooding theaters with superhero movies. MTV News surmises, “With so many other superheroes vying for the spotlight, and only so many release dates available to give said heroes their time to shine, it’s no wonder that Marvel wants to hit 'pause' on the ‘Iron Man’ franchise.”
Robert Downey, Jr. is currently promoting his upcoming courtroom drama, “The Judge.” Although Downey plays an attorney in this film, some "Iron Man" fans are sure to feel like he just played the role of a judge with his recent statements that may turn out to be a grim death sentence for the future of standalone "Iron Man" movies.
