The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become known for its twists, turns, and the ability to resurrect beloved characters through the vast Marvel multiverse. So when Robert Downey Jr. recently expressed his openness to suiting up as Iron Man again after his character’s heroic death in Avengers: Endgame, it sent shockwaves through multiple fan communities.
In an interview with Esquire, the Oscar-winning actor said he would “happily” return to the iconic role that helped launch the MCU juggernaut. “It’s too integral a part of my DNA,” Downey stated. “That role chose me.”
His comments seem to defy the finality of Tony Stark’s self-sacrificing end in 2019’s Endgame. The film’s directors, the Russo brothers, appeared puzzled at the prospect of undoing that emotional climax.
“I don’t know how they would do it…We closed that book so it would be up to them to figure out how to reopen it.”
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige also previously dismissed the idea of revisiting Iron Man’s death, stating “We would never want to magically undo it in any way.” However, those remarks predated Robert Downey Jr.’s recent comments and Disney’s escalating concerns over underperforming Marvel films like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
The potential revival of such a proven box office draw as Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man may be looking increasingly enticing for Marvel. As the actor himself acknowledged, “Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige. It is a losing bet.”
While plot details are inevitably unclear, the MCU’s exploration of the multiverse does provide narrative wiggle room to reintroduce alternate reality variants of established characters. Just look at this year’s Deadpool 3, which will feature Hugh Jackman returning as a new iteration of Wolverine despite his previous grisly death in 2017’s Logan.
