Joe Russo Believes Tony Stark Will Disappear When Robert Downey Jr. Decides To Call It Quits

Robert Downey Jr Avengers Age of Ultron

We’ve known the time was coming when we saw some of the characters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe phase out as new ones take the stage. The likely first of these will be Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark who kicked off everything in 2007 with Iron Man. The actors contract with Marvel Studios comes to an end with the upcoming two-part Avengers: Infinity War and there’s been no word regarding him extending it again.

While speaking with Forbes, Joe Russo was asked about the chance we could see another actor taking up the role when Downey decides to finally call it quits. The co-director of Captain America: Civil War and the two-part Avengers: Infinity War had the following to say on the matter.

It’s almost impossible to replace Robert; he’s the biggest movie star in the world. One close-up from Robert is worth another actor’s entire performance; he’s incredibly gifted and insanely talented. I think if and when he is done with the character, I think you will find that Iron Man might disappear for a while.

While this doesn’t mean we won’t see another incarnation of the character in the MCU, Russo doesn’t see that one happening any time soon.

I think the only way that you could reboot that character is to give a generational gap that would allow another actor to at least have a chance to redefine that character without the enormous specter of Robert hanging over it. There are so many characters in the Marvel universe that can pick up the ball and run without it through the next phase or two before you need to see Iron Man again, frankly.

Have to definitely agree with Russo here, especially on that last part. While I love Roberty Downey Jr. & Tony Stark, it’s time for new characters to shine and take over the spotlight. If Marvel Studios do decide to re-cast the role at some point, it’s going to be hard to associate another actor with Tony Stark after Downey playing him for over a decade. What do you think about Joe Russo’s comments? Agree? Disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Source: Forbes

 

Shawn Madden

Shawn Madden

I write stuff. Sometimes.