RDJ's Iron Man Return Is Even More Likely Given MCU's Direction

The likelihood of Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man return continues to increase thanks to the direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iron Man's death in Avengers: Endgame was meant to bring an end to Tony Stark's story in the MCU. Speculation has never ceased that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU at some point, but it was thought to be a move Marvel Studios would not use for at least a decade. Less than four years since Avengers: Endgame, though, there continue to be more MCU developments that make it appear that Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man return is rapidly approaching.

Marvel Studios continues to show the ability to lure back actors who previously retired from Marvel roles. Audiences recently have seen Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield back as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: No Way Home. After getting Patrick Stewart's Professor X back in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Marvel landed another biggest win with Hugh Jackman's Wolverine return in Deadpool 3. It is a strong sign that not even Robert Downey Jr. might be able to resist Marvel's call for another Iron Man appearance, likely in Avengers: Secret Wars. Furthermore, the decision to make Armor Wars a movie could be seen as a way to get the actor back as Iron Man for the unofficial fourth Iron Man movie.

How Robert Downey Jr. Could Return As Tony Stark In Armor Wars

Changing Armor Wars from a Disney+ show to a movie could be partially done to allow for Robert Downey Jr.'s return. A theatrical film gives him the opportunity to once again earn a massive payday. Armor Wars might have a story that takes place after Tony Stark's death, but that does not prevent the movie from including him in some capacity. Robert Downey Jr. could return for flashbacks, possibly to help explain more about the missing armor and technology that Rhodey deals with. This would be a rather low-stakes way for Downey to return, but it would make sense for Armor Wars to feature Tony Stark somehow.

Avengers: Secret Wars Is RDJ’s Best Iron Man Return

If Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man return is going to happen soon, Avengers: Secret Wars is the best option. The culmination of the Multiverse Saga is expected to see heroes from across the multiverse work together to fight Kang the Conqueror. The multiverse story gives Marvel Studios an easy way to explain how Iron Man is back without undoing his Avengers: Endgame death. Marvel is not considering any stories that involve resurrecting Iron Man permanently, but having a version of Tony Stark from another universe return to fight Kang would work. It would also then give the MCU another clean break from the character by having him return to his alternate universe.

Avengers: Secret Wars also gives Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man return a chance to deliver some very special interactions. Audiences could finally see his Iron Man share the screen with Hugh Jackman's Wolverine or Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man potentially. Furthermore, Avengers: Secret Wars could feature one more team-up by the original six Avengers stars, even if some of them are playing variants. Perhaps all of this will further fuel Marvel Studios' pitch to bring Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man back to the MCU in Secret Wars or something else.

Next: Will Hugh Jackman Return As Wolverine In Avengers: Secret Wars?