Robert Downey Jr. put Iron Man on the map. Earlier than him, Tony Stark was simply one other comedian guide character. However RDJ? He turned him right into a full-blown icon. So, naturally, after the success of Iron Man 3, Marvel followers anticipated one other solo film. Besides Downey, who wasn’t precisely leaping on the likelihood.
Certain, he saved exhibiting up within the MCU—Civil Conflict, Avengers: Infinity Conflict, Avengers: Endgame. However when it got here to Iron Man 4, he wasn’t bought. Not as a result of Marvel didn’t need it (they undoubtedly did), however as a result of Downey had some critical reservations. He didn’t need to overstay his welcome, he had different tasks brewing, and—he wasn’t getting any youthful. So why precisely did RDJ hesitate to swimsuit up once more? Let’s break it down.
Why Did Robert Downey Jr. Select Not To Do Iron Man 4?
Nobody enjoys a superhero who overstays their welcome. Robert Downey Jr. understood the hazard of overexposure—an excessive amount of Tony Stark might tire the viewers. Take into consideration these TV reveals that drag on endlessly; it will get outdated quick. He aimed to exit whereas the character was nonetheless at his peak, reasonably than letting the function put on out its appeal.
By the point Iron Man 3 ended, the MCU was stacked. New heroes, greater crossovers, crazier storylines. The place would one other solo Iron Man even match? Downey wasn’t about to pressure a film that didn’t make sense.
Moreover—actors have lives, too! Downey had household, ardour tasks, and Crew Downey (his manufacturing firm). Spending years within the MCU meant placing all that on maintain. He wished to department out, not simply be “the Iron Man man” endlessly. Because the actor himself put it in an interview with Deadline:
“To me, it comes right down to what’s the half-life of individuals having fun with a personality? It’s completely different on TV, the place you anticipate the longevity over seasons whereas films get a two or three-year break. Marvel retains stepping up its sport, and I admire the best way Kevin Feige and all of the creatives there assume. They’re as within the inventive wheelhouse as any nice studio has been at any level.”
Greater than this, being Iron Man isn’t simply appearing. It’s coaching, stunts, and sporting a metallic swimsuit all day. On the time of the interview, the film mogul was about to show 50, so he wasn’t as eager on the bodily toll. Superhero life is enjoyable till the knees disagree. Robert Downey Jr. continued:
“However I’m not 42, I’m turning 50 and now I’ll have two small youngsters as a substitute of 1 grown one, and eight Crew Downey tasks with people who find themselves imagining I’m not simply spending Warner Bros’ cash out of self-importance, however that I’m taking it severely. All of it has turn into this factor that needs to be discovered. It has come to a head, proper now, the place the factors of departure shall be.”
If Iron Man 4 had flopped, that will have been the lasting impression. And Robert Downey Jr. wasn’t keen to danger that. Endgame offered the perfect farewell for Tony Stark. Would a fourth Iron Man film have been wonderful? Fairly presumably. However RDJ selected properly—he gave us an iconic efficiency and exited on a excessive observe. Might he come again sometime? Maybe.
However for now, the Iron Man legacy is exactly the place it ought to be—untouchable. Nonetheless, followers will quickly see Robert Downey Jr. again in Marvel, however not as Iron Man—as a substitute, as Physician Doom in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
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