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'His arc was beautiful': MCU fans crushed as exec confirms Robert Downey Jr's Iron Man won't return to franchise

Marvel executive Stephen Broussard revealed that the franchise's Phase 4 would be all about the new generation

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: There were many rumors on the internet about Robert Downey Jr returning to the MCU after his sacrificial death in 'Avengers: Endgame'. Fans hoped that RDJ would somehow return in flashbacks or any role connecting his story, but it seems like the legend's Iron Man chapter has been done and dusted at the Marvel Cinematic Universe's headquarters. Marvel Executive Stephen Broussard revealed that Marvel's phase 4 would be all about the new generation representing the movies by taking the front seat.

"After these first 10 years of Marvel storytelling, torches are being passed, like with Robert Downey Jr. no longer being [on the] table and stuff like that," Broussard told Gizmodo.com. Phase 4 will feature movies and TV shows that go according to the publications by Marvel Comics. This includes all Marvel Studios productions released from 2021 through 2022. Twitter has been abuzz since the announcement and although some fans are disheartened, others just want everyone to move on, as 'Iron Man' has had a great run. 

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'Let go and move on'

As the news was shared by MCU, The Direct on Twitter, one fan wrote, "Some of you don’t know how to let go and move on. Somethings come to an end and his arc was beautiful. Also let him play other characters and proyects." Another user added, "Honestly, even though he shouldn't come back in this timeline, Iron Man should have never been killed off prior to additions like the Fantastic Four and the X Men..." Some users shared their favorite moments and great memories of the superhero. "I don't want him to return either, his arc is completed. Experiment with his other variants with new cast maybe??? But not him. Either way if he returns - people will slander the film saying cash grab and shallow," someone noted. 

One user emphatically claimed, "Well, the MCU died with his character. I stopped giving a sh*t after Endgame." "I think we’ll see him one way or another in Secret Wars even if it’s just a flashback or pre recorded message like in Endgame After that though I think it’s unlikely we’ll see any new content from him as Tony Stark for a very long time and possibly ever again," another shared. 

'That's all done now'

Fans have been hoping for a comeback ever since Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man died in 'Avengers: Endgame', but it has seemed like a non-option for a while. Earlier, RDJ himself confirmed the decision on the 'SmartLess' podcast hosted by 'Ozark' actor Jason Bateman, 'BoJack Horseman's Will Arnett, and 'Will & Grace' star Sean Hayes. Bateman asked RDJ, “I'm assuming that the Marvel thing is at a slower speed now... or you're done with that now?” The actor replied, “That's all done now." It seems like fans will after all have to say their final goodbyes to RDJ's Tony Stark and his weighty contribution to the MCU.

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