'Avengers 4' release date, plot news: Robert Downey Jr. confirms return
Robert Downey Jr. has confirmed that he is returning for "Avengers 4," along with a few other fan favorites.
The "Iron Man" actor recently posted a photo on Instagram showing production chairs for himself as Tony Stark/Iron Man, as well as for Chris Evans (Steve Rogers/Captain America), Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow), and Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man).
The photo is also a potential spoiler for the upcoming film, as it means these four characters will survive the battle against the Mad Titan Thanos (Josh Brolin) and his Black Order in "Avengers: Infinity War," which is coming to theaters in May 2018.
Comicbook earlier reported that "Infinity War" was shooting a funeral as revealed by a casting call from Central Georgia Casting. Fans will be happy to know that whoever dies in that funeral, it is none of these four.
Set photos also indicate that Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye/Ronin) and Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) will join them in the still untitled "Avengers" fourth installment.
Fans have been worried about the return of Iron Man and Captain America, considering the status of their contracts with Marvel.
Evans, in particular, told Variety back in 2014, that he would be retiring from acting once his six-film contract with Marvel ended and pursue directing instead.
"I can't see myself pursuing acting strictly outside of what I'm contractually obligated to do," he said.
While Captain America is the oldest Marvel hero, Iron Man was the one who started it all for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a 2016 interview with News.com.au, Evans praised Downey's contributions to the very successful Marvel franchise.
"Downey is the reason this is happening. If the first 'Iron Man' movies hadn't worked, none of this would have happened. Downey is the patriarch. Everyone looks to him," said Evans.
While 52-year-old Downey admits he has had a great run as Iron Man, he recognizes that his time might soon be over.
"I just want to hang up my jersey before it's embarrassing," he revealed.
"Avengers 4," which is slated for 2019, will conclude the first saga of the MCU.
