The Avengers Don't Need A New Iron Man (They Need Another Tony Stark)

With his death in Avengers: Endgame, the hero the Marvel Cinematic Universe needs is not the next Iron Man, but a new Tony Stark. The franchise's inaugural hero played by Robert Downey Jr. was a consistent figure in the universe for the last 11 years. While his personal trilogy wrapped up in 2013, Tony continued to be a key figure in almost every massive event in the MCU. And now that he's gone after his heroic takedown of Thanos (Josh Brolin) in Endgame, the MCU is on the lookout for someone who can take over his responsibilities as Iron Man. But in reality, what the franchise really needs is another Tony Stark.

Jon Watts' Spider-Man: Far From Home pondered on the idea of Peter Parker (Tom Holland) becoming the next Iron Man - a burden that haunted the young hero for the better part of the film as he also grieved the death of his mentor. But, as Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) said, there can never be a next Iron Man. Technically, that's true considering that there's no plans for an introduction of a proper successor. However, at this point, the MCU can do without another flying metal-clad-hero. What it needs is someone who functions more like the hero's alter-ego.

Marvel Studios introduced several heroes over the last few years who are poised to take the frontlines from the franchise's founding characters. And while there's no one as similar to Iron Man, there are other characters who can essentially fill up the role he's vacated. What the franchise needs is its next Tony Stark - genius, billionaire who tinkered with technology in the hopes of improving not only his armor, but also the suits and gadgetry of his fellow heroes. He also provided funding for the Avengers - built them a new headquarters that offered lodging to his fellow heroes and even picked up the remnants of S.H.I.E.L.D. when it collapsed. It allowed Captain America and Black Widow to devote their lives to protecting the people to function without being burdened by problems from daily life.

Far From Home established that the Pepper Potts-run Stark Industries is still involved in providing financial aid to Tony's fellow heroes. However, it's safe to assume that she won't be as involved as his husband was. With the Avengers HQ pretty much decimated following the all-out battle against Thanos in Endgame, the heroes need another base to regroup and prepare for what comes next. No word has been said about another ensemble project so heroes will be scattered doing their own adventures for a while, but they'll eventually gather back together once the next big threat becomes imminent.

Considering Black Panther/T'Challa's (Chadwick Boseman) resources as the leader of Wakanda coupled with Shuri's (Letitia Wright) genius, they might be able to take over these particular responsibilities left by Tony. However, it's worth noting that the king and princess' first priority will always be the people of their nation, especially on the heels of several massive changes - from opening up their borders to the fallout of the snap.

As insufferable as Tony was at times, no one can deny that he's essentially the reason the Avengers were able to continue to function. He provided all the help his fellow heroes needed without really asking for anything in return. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will undoubtedly look and feel different without him in it as it continues to Phase 4, but it will also affect how the Avengers operate as a team. Looking at the soon-to-be-introduced heroes in the franchise, it doesn't seem like there's one character who can single-handedly take over his position as the universe's resident tech and funding person. Marvel Studios will just have to find their next genius billionaire before the next massive threat makes its presence felt.

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