— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) December 28, 2022 According to @MyTimeToShineH, Marvel Studios has struck a deal with Robert Downey Jr. to bring him back as Iron Man in Avengers: Secret Wars, which premieres on May 1, 2026. The final film of Phase 6 will see the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga. Seeing as the MCU’s next big baddie is going to be worse than Thanos, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will need a lot of help. If we believe the rumors, RDJ’s Iron Man could be one of them. In addition to this, the deal to bring RDJ’s Iron Man back could also involve appearances in the upcoming Armor Wars movie. The MCU still hasn’t properly given RDJ’s Iron Man a replacement unlike the other original members of the Avengers. Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams doesn’t appear to have a direct connection with Tony Stark and Iron Man except for taking inspiration from the fan-favorite genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist. On the other hand, the pre-teen that Tony Stark helped out in Iron Man 3, Ty Simpkins’ Harley Keener, hasn’t reappeared ever since paying his respects in Avengers: Endgame. Finally, save for the occasional passing mention here or there, Tony Stark’s successor and daughter, Morgan Stark, has been notably absent. Admittedly, bringing RDJ back would cheapen his sacrifice at the end of Phase 3. But, we’re pretty sure Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige has already thought up ways to do this while also honoring his character’s legacy. With that said, four years and more than a dozen TV shows, as well as blockbuster movies, separate us from the premiere of Avengers: Secret Wars. A lot can happen between then and now, so things can change. Either way, regardless of whether RDJ comes back as Iron Man or not, Avengers: Secret Wars will be a spectacle worth watching in theaters worldwide when it comes out. For now, we’ll just have to make do with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which will premiere on February 17.
