Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic Iron Man may be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the upcoming film Avengers: Secret Wars, according to MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios author Joana Robinson.
On the latest episode of The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast, Robinson was asked if Downey and the other Avengers would return to the MCU and Robinson responded, “I think that’s something that they (Marvel) really want to do and I think that is something they might do in something called Secret Wars.“
This would be a major coup for Marvel Studios, as Iron Man was one of the founding members of the Avengers and even after Endgame, remains one of the most popular superheroes in the world.
“Honestly, Downey has been the big winner of the MCU,” Matthew Belloni said. “I mean, the fact that they have to pay him whatever he wants for every one of these movies, I mean he deserves it, he was the original.”
Belloni added: “They have paid this guy hundreds of millions of dollars over the past 15 years. It is amazing and they’re probably gonna pay him more to get him back because they need these original Avengers.”
“I think they are coming to that realization,” Robinson responded. “I cant disagree with you.”
There is no official confirmation from Marvel Studios yet, but there is a lot of clues to suggest that Downey Jr. may indeed return as Iron Man. For example, he was recently spotted on the set of Captain America 4, which is set to release in 2024, three years before Avengers: Secret Wars.
Additionally, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has teased that Avengers: Secret Wars will be a “culmination” of everything that has come before in the MCU, which suggests that some of the franchise’s most beloved characters, including Iron Man, could be returning.
If Robert Downey Jr. does return as Iron Man in Avengers: Secret Wars, it is likely that he will play a major role in the film. Fans would rather see Downey as Iron Man instead of the rumored Tom Cruise.
Secret Wars is a crossover event that will bring together characters from all across the Marvel multiverse, so Iron Man’s experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Avengers. Michael Waldron is set to write the upcoming Marvel Studios film Avengers: Secret Wars, but a director has yet to be announced.
Avengers: Secret Wars is currently slated to be released on May 7, 2027.
