The Marvel Cinematic Universe ended its first saga with Avengers: Endgame. It was during this film that Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, sacrificed himself to save the universe. Now reports have surfaced suggesting that Robert Downey Jr. is in talks to return to the franchise – though Kevin Feige has now responded to these claims.
As shared below, via Entertainment Tonight, Kevin Feige was asked some questions on the matter at the premiere for The Marvels in Las Vegas. Interestingly, Feige began by addressing the rumor that suggested not only Robert Downey Jr., but that various original Avengers members could return.
Here’s what he shared:
“Fallen Avengers returning? Is that a new [rumor]? I’ve literally not even seen that. Is that a new rumor?”
ET’s Ash Crossan confirmed that it was the latest rumor:
“Yeah, it was like one of the things that was talked about at this retreat where Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr. possibly returning at some point.”
Kevin Feige then finally answered whether or not Robert Downey Jr. would be returning:
“We did not discuss at the retreat is the truth. We’re doing a project with Scarlett. I love Robert. He’s a part of the family. But in terms of them returning, we’ll have to see.”
We are talking to Kevin Feige at ‘The Marvels’ premiere in Las Vegas and all of our questions we answered!!#TheMarvels pic.twitter.com/BPSPSGDwlS
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) November 8, 2023
It’s an interesting response. Kevin Feige does deny that they’ve had any discussions about Scarlett Johansson or Robert Downey Jr. returning. But then he does say they’ll “have to see,” especially with Robert Downey Jr. being “a part of the family.”
It’s not exactly a full denial or confirmation. But it seems as though Feige certainly knows that the Multiverse has opened up enough possibilities to bring anyone back if he were to choose to do so. As such, we’ll have to see what happens going forward. Especially with Avengers: Secret Wars in the works.