Since it’s inception in 2008, one of the most iconic faces in the MCU has to be Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, so it’s safe to say that when the actor finally vacates the films are going to feel very different. But just how far away is that day? Chris Evans seems to have an idea. Read on to find out more.
Speaking to USA Today, the Captain America actor revealed:
“Downey is far closer to reaching that point where he may walk away. And I don’t know how you replace Downey as Tony Stark. I don’t know who else can touch that.”
This will definitely come as a blow to fans, although over the past 9 years the actor has portrayed the hero in six different films with the seventh hitting the big screen later this year in the form of Spider-Man: Homecoming. The actor is also currently in the process of filming the next two Avengers films so if he is looking to bow out in the near future, this would probably be the ideal time.
Downey Jr. leaving the role would lead to an interesting situation – whether Marvel will recast the character or retire him from future films. The studio has recast actors in the past, most notably Edward Norton and Terence Howard as Bruce Banner and James Rhodes, respectively, but never have they needed to recast someone as popular as Downey Jr., who many believe embodies the role.
There have been others to take the Iron Man mantle over the course of the comics history. These include Stark’s longtime friend Rhodey and RiRi Williams, who took over the role in the comics at the conclusion of Civil War II last year. Whether Marvel goes this route remains to be seen, but given Rhodes’ condition at the end of Captain America: Civil War, I can’t see him taking over anytime soon. Whatever the case may be, the actor will definitely be missed.
Before he does (potentially!) vacate the role, Downey Jr. can be seen suiting up in Spider-Man: Homecoming on July 6th and in Avengers: Infinity War when it hits theaters May 4th 2018.
What do you think? Are you disappointed by this news? Is it time for him to move on? Let us know below!
Source: USA Today