One of the big stories coming out of Iron Man 3 has been Robert Downey Jr.’s contract coming to an end with Marvel Studios. With the third outing for Tony Stark smashing box office records in the UK and US, it’s surely likely that Marvel would want to bring Downey back for another solo Iron Man movie – but that doesn’t look like it might happen according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The outlet is reporting that the actor met with Kevin Fiege today to negotiate a new contract with insiders saying that he is looking to return for The Avengers 2 and The Avengers 3, but that could be it.
In interviews leading up to the release of Iron Man 3, Downey Jr. expressed concerns about suiting up again and again so this news should come as no surprise. However *SPOILERS* there was a tease at the end of Iron Man 3‘s credits that Tony Stark will return which would indicate the studio has plans for the character – with or without Downey Jr.
The Hollywood Reporter’s insiders also claim that scripts are being developed for Ms. Marvel, Blade (who is now back at Marvel), Doctor Strange (which has been long rumoured), Iron Fist, Black Panther (again, long rumoured) and The Runaways (which has been penned by Iron Man 3 co-writer Drew Pearce, and has since been placed on the shelf, according to Kevin Feige). If these insiders are to be believed, it seems fans of Daredevil might be waiting a while to see The Man Without Fear back on the big screen.
With Ant-Man already confirmed for Phase Three, it seems Marvel might be pushing ahead with a string of new characters before heading into Avengers 3.
Out of the rumoured movies, which are you most excited to see?
Originally published May 8, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
