‘Iron Man 4’ News & Updates: 'Iron Man 4' May Feature Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark but not as Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr. has recently spoken about the possible upcoming Marvel movie and his participation in "Iron Man 4."

It was speculated that by the time "Iron Man 4" will be released by Marvel Studios in 2019 or 2020, Robert Downey Jr. would no longer be young enough for the role of Iron Man. In 2020, the actor will turn 50 and, of course, he would not be as agile as in the past. The age factor would prevent him to perform the stunts in "Iron Man 4".

Downey admitted that he is indeed getting old for his superhero role and said that he is thinking of giving up the Iron Man suit. Christian Today reports that the actor feels that the clock is ticking down and he does not want to embarrass the screen with his future participation as Iron Man.

The actor's statements seem to prove the fact that Marvel Studios is prepared to recast Tony Stark character. Previous reports suggested that the role could be taken by Ty Simpkins, who played Harley Keener in "Iron Man 3," per Master Herald. The actor would have the proper age by 2020 to star as the new Iron Man, according to critics.

Speculations suggest that Tony Stark, played by Downey Jr., will appoint Harley as his successor in "Iron Man 4." Other speculations, however, claim that Tony Stark's successor could actually be Rhodes, played by Don Cheadle. Rhodes is the alter ego of the Iron Patriot.

Another possibility is that Downey's contract with Marvel Studios may have ended by the time when "Iron Man 4" goes into production. In this case, Downey might pass his role to another actor since the rumors say that the actor is tired of playing the role of Tony Stark and Iron Man.

From all these speculations and rumors, the most credible are those that claim that Robert Downey Jr. will agree to keep the role of Tony Stark in "Iron Man 4" but will appoint a successor in the role of the superhero Iron Man.