Marvel Pictures has done a spectacular job in casting actors for their superhero characters, which includes Robert Downey Jr. who tops that list when he signed on to be philanthropist-playboy-billionaire Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man. Downey has brought immense success to the franchise and to Marvel Pictures. So, why isn't there an "Iron Man 4" in the works? 

After "Iron Man 3" rolled out in the cinemas, Marvel hasn't made any comment about a fourth movie. The film's absence in the Phase Three slate was also proof that a fourth instalment is not happening, at least not in the next five years. Fans felt sad, yet they always had persistent hope that Downey will come out with the great news. But in 2014, almost all his interviews pointed to a no. 

One instance was his interview with Variety in September 2014. When asked about "Iron Man 4," he said, "There isn't one in the pipe. No, there's no plan for a fourth 'Iron Man.'" 

However, when Downey appeared on "The Ellen Show" in October 2014, he had a different answer.

The host asked about "Iron Man 4" and the actor answered, "I know there's going to be a bunch more Marvel movies. [Marvel] have big ideas of how to do it best and we're in the middle of negotiation..." 

DeGeneres then asked again, "So, yes?" and Downey firmly replied, "Okay, yes!" 

While this gave fans hope that the franchise would live on, the actor had another answer that night when he appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" where he was also asked about the movie.

"There's no plans for an Iron Man 4," he said. Then David Letterman asked him, "Why not?" to which he replied, "You know what, that's a valid question." 

The two continued to joke about why the movie is not in Marvel's plans, citing that the franchise hasn't earned much or that Marvel doesn't want to earn a couple of million dollars again. Before the interview ended, Letterman asked again if there's going to be an "Iron Man 4" movie. And this is what Downey said:

"No. But I'm gonna do other stuff with Marvel, still going to be involved with Marvel and there's going to be plenty stuff to happen." 

Downey's yes and no have been confusing "Iron Man" fans for months now and still, Marvel hasn't said a word about it. Is "Iron Man 4" still in the planning stage, which is why there's still no information about it? Or could it be that Marvel hasn't really made plans for a fourth installment? If that's the case, Downey surely was a big tease.