'Iron Man 4' release date, plot, cast news: Robert Downey Jr. to appear in supposed film?

Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) Marvel Studios

There is a rumor swirling that Robert Downey Jr. may reprise his role as Tony Stark and appear in a possible fourth "Iron Man" film in a few years.

After "Avengers: Infinity War" a.k.a. "Avengers 3" wrapped filming, producers went on to shoot the sequel tentatively named "Avengers 4." It was speculated that Stark might not survive "Avengers 3" and get killed by Thanos (Josh Brolin). However, when Downey Jr. took to Instagram and posted a picture of a chair on set with "Tony Stark" written on it, fans began to theorize that Stark may have survived "Avengers 3" and likely be out and about in "Avengers 4." Moreover, fans started to speculate that since Downey Jr. is going to be in the "Avengers" sequel, this could mean that he is not done yet with being Iron Man.

The Marvel actor has hinted before that he wants to hang up his suit once his contract is over. He has played the Tony Stark role since he started back in 2008 with the first "Iron Man" movie and evidently the first installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, his inclusion in the "Avengers 4" seems like his character is not yet ready to ride on into the sunset. There are three more movies left in the MCU which are slated in 2020. It is possible that one of those movies could be "Iron Man 4" and take place after the events of the "Avengers" movies.

Whoever survives those events will likely appear in the supposed "Iron Man 4" movie where they will try and regroup with Stark, and forge a new beginning for all inhabitants of planet Earth. It remains to be seen if "Iron Man 4" will materialize in a few years.

Meanwhile, Downey Jr. will next appear in "Avengers: Infinity War" which will arrive in theaters in May 2018.

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