Doctor Strange 2: Why Fans Thinks Tom Cruise Replaces RDJ As MCU Iron Man

There have been rumors that Iron Man will be in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but instead of Robert Downey Jr. reprising the role, fans are convinced that Tom Cruise will play the character instead. After the cameo-filled Spider-Man: No Way Home, Marvel Studios is following it up with the Sam Raimi and Benedict Cumberbatch film, which may feature more surprise appearances. One of the most popular speculations regarding the flick suggests that Tony Stark will be among them, but this one won't be the MCU's original iteration.

One of the very first projects to be confirmed for MCU Phase 4, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will see Marvel Studios fully delving into the idea of the multiple realities. All of WandaVision, Loki, Marvel's What If...?, and Spider-Man: No Way Home have tackled the idea, but the upcoming sequel will properly explore the concept as it becomes a major factor in the franchise's future. Plot specifics about the blockbuster are still scant at the moment, but various rumors about it have been floating around the internet for a while now. That includes Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featuring variants of certain Marvel characters.

As established in Loki, variants across the universe can look different. So given Downey's perfect MCU swan song in Avengers: Endgame, Marvel Studios can use this idea to continue utilizing Iron Man in the franchise. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in particular seems to be setting up the introduction of its Illuminati team which the Avenger is an original member of in the comics. In order to properly adapt the council on the big screen, Iron Man needs to appear but could be played by a different actor. Still, it doesn't explain why Cruise is the popular choice for this — so why him? Actually, the Top Gun and Mission: Impossible star was Marvel Studios' favorite to play the genius, billionaire headliner in Jon Favreau's Iron Man. It's uncertain why this didn't push through, but rumor has it that it boiled down to creative differences between the parties involved. Since Marvel Studios is big on fan service, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness offers the perfect opportunity to explore what could've been if Cruise was MCU’s Iron Man.

It's worth noting that there hasn't been any concrete indication that Marvel Studios is even contemplating bringing Cruise into the franchise. The idea originated from supposed leaks, but since they come from random online accounts, it's difficult to verify their identities, as well as, the information that they share. But assuming that this is actually happening in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, don't expect Cruise to hang around the MCU and officially become its new Iron Man. As per Spider-Man: No Way Home writers, bringing back its inaugural hero is a non-starter at Marvel Studios. So, if Cruise plays a variant of Iron Man in the upcoming MCU film, chances are that it's going to be a brief stint, perhaps, even a one-time thing. In any case, the Cruise is also busy with his own action-adventure franchises that he won't have time to fully be part of the MCU.

Due to its narrative, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the perfect opportunity to explore alternative scenarios in the MCU with very little to no effect in the Sacred Timeline. So, if they plan on recruiting Cruise to be in the MCU, this would be their chance. That being said, it's also important to not be too invested in the idea that he will show up in the sequel due to the lack of concrete proof to support this rumor. Even without him, however, the blockbuster could still feature several more surprise cameos that would surely delight fans.

More: Doctor Strange 2's Trailer Just Hinted Iron Man Return Rumors Are True