When Marvel Studios released its Phase Three slate for their superhero movies, everyone notice the absence of an "Iron Man" film on the list. This further proved Robert Downey Jr.'s statement that he will not be returning for a fourth "Iron Man" installment. But of course, everyone is really hoping that he would change his mind and do it anyway. 

Ever since Marvel took a risk with RDJ playing the billionaire philanthropist playboy Tony Stark, he has been nothing but a cash cow for the studio. Downey Jr. is Tony Stark and Tony Stark is Downey Jr. No one can envision another actor to play the epic Marvel character. And if Marvel takes another risk on a different actor, they might not be too lucky next time around. 

But if there's one thing that fans can find comfort in, it is that producers of the Marvel Comic Universe films always have a plan. They are always a step ahead of everyone. If Downey Jr. isn't returning to play Iron Man, they might just have a backup plan for that already. 

Considering that "Iron Man 4" is speculated to be released in 2019, Marvel has several years to come up with the best plan to keep the movie franchise running. But according to BamSmackPow, Ty Simpkins may have something to do with it. 

Simpkins was in "Iron Man 3" as Harley Keener. He is only 13 years old but has played significant roles in blockbuster films. So, is Keener the next Iron Man?

Movie Pilot guesses that Tony Stark may pass the role to the young lad, who will be around 17 or 18 years old by then. He will be the new Iron Man, someone a bit younger than the Stark played by Downey Jr.

Additionally, by 2019, RDJ's increasing age will be more apparent. The actor will be 54 by then, and that won't really make sense for him to play playboy Tony Stark anymore. Many believe that the actor can still pull it off. However, this might not really be good for the story anymore. 

It looks like Marvel Studios will have big shoes to fill if Downey Jr. can't or won't be part of "Iron Man 4." But seeing how perfectly they've been casting stars lately, one can only trust on their plans.