Here are three upcoming films in the MCU that could bring Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark aka Iron Man back to life
Downey Jr. Man was the hero who started it all for the MCU in 2008, and ever since his story concluded with his death in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, fans have been constantly theorizing how the fan-favorite hero could return.
3 Movies: Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man May Return
1.) Armor Wars
Don War Machine Cheadle Solo Movie, Armor Wars will celebrate Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man legacy in a story where Stark's advanced technology falls into the wrong hands and Rhodey is tasked with retrieving it.
The Iron Man spin-off was originally envisioned as a Disney+ series before being made into a theatrical film, leading many to suspect the move was made to facilitate Downey's return. Jr.
Since Armor Wars is not currently expected to include multiverse or time travel, it is unlikely that Iron Man will make an appearance here today. But perhaps he could still appear as an artificial intelligence. Rumor or flashback.
However, with the return of Iron Man, Marvel Studios will probably want to organize a fantastic event similar to the one of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield . These options usually seem pretty unlikely.
2.) Avengers: Kang Dynasty
The multiverse saga has put variants and alternative universes at the center, and it will all culminate in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. Although Earth-616's Tony Stark is now deceased, the crossover event offers the opportunity to introduce a variation of Robert Downey Jr.'s hero.
Some have theorized that Jonathan Majors' Kang could form the Legion of the Undead, as he did in the Marvel comics, to fight the Avengers. The team brings together resurrected heroes from different eras to face and play as Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
But unfortunately, Tony Stark seems unlikely to succeed. for Avengers 5, as the studio likely wants the founding Avenger to sit out at least one blockbuster film before returning. This will allow the Kang Dynasty to continue to focus on uniting new heroes before the Secret Wars brings back familiar faces.
But if Downey Jr., as Major, acting as a Secret Wars player, perhaps he could appear in a post-credits scene in The Kang Dynasty to confirm his return and prepare fans for what's to come a year later.
Given that the MCU has seen some decline in interest and reputation in the post-Endgame world, Marvel Studios may feel the need to appeal to their original heroes in Avengers 5 if you're worried you won't be interested in the new characters. box office success at the same level.
3.) Avengers: Secret Wars
Undoubtedly the most likely blueprint for Robert Downey Jr.'s big Iron Man return in 2027 Avengers : Secret Wars, the culmination of the Multiverse saga. At that point, it's been eight years and an Avengers movie since his last appearance, so his return seems well deserved.
Many expect Secret Wars take it with you. He brings a lot of classic Marvel heroes from the old Fox universe to the MCU and hopefully some Spider-Men. If the studio wants to deliver unprecedented fan service with Avengers 6, including Downey Jr.'s Iron Man, it's a no-brainer.
The essence of Secret Wars of heroes from different universes against each other, and there may be no better way to bring the MCU full circle than pitting the Avengers of Earth-616 against an alternate team led by Iron Man.
It's hard to tell what significant role Downey Jr. would have in future Avengers films if he were to return. Of course, Marvel Studios wants to keep the focus on current main faces, and focusing too much on nostalgia could end up distracting from meaningful character work.
Robert Downey Jr.'s 'Iron Man' will he really come back?
Robert Downey Jr. has always had a philosophy of him "never say never". We assume a possible return to the MCU, but that would require the right story. Therefore, it's likely that the actor will want to return not just for the fan service, but also to see a story that meaningfully justifies his inclusion.
Regardless of what project he's in, Downey Jr.'s role will likely end up being more than just an appearance to ensure your return . It's worth it, it's useful. But fans shouldn't wait for Iron Man to return to lead the Avengers or play a lead role in an MCU film, because now is the time.
Also Iron Man's return is unlikely to be at least officially confirmed, as long as the project he's involved in isn't made public. Ultimately, Spider-Man: No Way Home proved that even the return of fan-favorite movies is enough to generate interest and box office revenue, something the studio could be looking to replicate.