‘Iron Man 4’ Release Date, News & Update: 3 Reasons Why Robert Downey Jr.’s Superhero Character’s Fate Appears Grim

Sorry, "Iron Man 4" fans! A fourth installment of the Marvel movie franchise might not be happening soon. As a matter of fact, Robert Downey Jr., the actor who plays the role of Tony Stark, has recently revealed that there are no plans for the movie yet.

During an interview with USA Today for a "Captain America: Civil War" set visit, Robert Downey Jr. delivered a bad news to all "Iron Man" fans when he admitted that the sequel is "not in the cards." But Downey Jr. also said that it would be great if there would be an "Iron Man 4."

"I don't think that's in the cards," the 50-year-old actor said, as per Entertainment Weekly. "In a way it's Cap 3 but for me it's like my little Iron Man 4. And then it's back to the thing we all recognize. Everything pulls over to the side of the road when the thunder of an Avengers thing comes through because that's how it is until it changes. If it changes."

Downey Jr.'s response also echoed his statements in 2014, when he was asked about the possibility of an "Iron Man 4" movie.

"There isn't one in the pipe," he told Variety. "No, there's no plan for a fourth 'Iron Man."

Meanwhile, since "Iron Man 4" is not in the works, here are 3 reasons why the fate of Robert Downey Jr.'s superhero character appears grim for a fourth installment.

1. Tony Stark also appears in other Marvel movies.

One reason why "Iron Man 4" is not happening was because Tony Stark has had marginal lead roles in "Avengers." In addition, Robert Downey Jr.'s character has also a major supporting role in "Captain America: Civil War," Forbes noted.

2. Robert Downey Jr. has expensive salary.

Another reason why there will be no "Iron Man 4" is because of Robert Downey Jr.'s expensive salary. In fact, he has a habit of getting paid an "unholy amount of money" for his Marvel appearances, which would cost big time for an outright "Iron Man 4" movie.

3. Marvel doesn't need "Iron Man 4."

The real reason that there will be no "Iron Man 4" is reported because Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn't need it to "establish a brand unto itself." And since Marvel has already released a bunch of stand-alone franchise-starters such as "Doctor Strange," "Captain Marvel," etc., they don't have to rely on Robert Downey Jr.'s "Iron Man" franchise as a "bedrock."