Tom Cruise's Iron Man Is A Big MCU Risk - But Could Make RDJ Even Better

Tom Cruise's possibly playing Iron Man in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a big risk, but it can also make Robert Downey Jr.'s version in the MCU better. Marvel Studios continues to build its multiverse with the upcoming Sam Raimi and Benedict Cumberbatch blockbuster. Kicked off by the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will see the titular sorcerer travel through multiple realities as he deals with the ramifications of his actions to help Peter Parker (Tom Holland).

Marvel Studios dabbled with the idea of the multiverse in the Infinity Saga, with Avengers: Endgame confirming the existence of other timelines and realities. In Phase 4, however, the franchise further delves deeper into it, with Loki explicitly setting up the multiverse's collapse following the death of He Who Remains (Jonathan Majors). The series also introduced the concept of variants, allowing the MCU to debut new versions of familiar characters such as Iron Man. But since Downey returning is out of the question, Marvel Studios could bring in a different actor to play Iron Man, and rumor has it that Cruise is up for the job in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Given how beloved Downey's Tony Stark was, Marvel Studios considering introducing a different actor playing the character is a massive risk, regardless if it means a superstar like Cruise joins the MCU. Not only was the Avenger the poster boy of the franchise for its first three Phases, but Iron Man's death in Avengers: Endgame also beautifully wrapped up the character's 11-year arc. But if Marvel Studios is actually taking the risk by bringing in Cruise as an Iron Man variant in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it's possible that it could even make Downey's version better. As a character, Tony Stark is meant to be hated; he's cocky and self-centered. Granted, it's difficult to hate him because he's oozing with charisma — something that Downey played perfectly, hence why the genius billionaire quickly became a fan favorite. If Marvel debuts a worse version of Iron Man and Cruise doesn't sell him as well as his predecessor did, it reinforces how good Downey truly was in the role.

Marvel Studios could even do this intentionally. Cruise is a great actor, as evidenced by his acting resume. But instead of doing an endearing version of Iron Man in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Kevin Feige and his team may opt to present a less likable iteration of the character. Assuming that this Iron Man variant is part of the Illuminati with Professor X (Patrick Stewart), it could support theories that the powerful group of individuals could act as the villains of the movie who want to control the multiverse. They don't like that Doctor Strange has immense power, so they reprimand him for his involvement in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Cruise, who was once the top pick to play the role of Iron Man, has been open about how important the moviegoing experience is for him, so he continues pushing the boundaries when it comes to stunts in his films. So, while this proposed role may not be the most flattering, he might be open to doing it for the sake of providing entertainment to the public.

In any case, if Cruise ends up playing Iron Man in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, don't expect it to be a recurring occurrence in the MCU. Chances are that it would be a one-time thing as part of Marvel Studios' efforts to establish its multiverse. Ultimately, the franchise will have to continue without Downey's Tony Stark, at least for the foreseeable future.

More: Doctor Strange Shouldn’t Be The MCU’s Anchor (Like Iron Man Was)