'Iron Man 4' News & Update: Film Will Disappear For A While If Robert Downey Jr Turns Down Next Installment

The hype about the upcoming flick "Iron Man 4" continues to grow despite the reports suggesting that Robert Downey Jr. would be replaced. Although Marvel has not confirmed "Iron Man 4" at the time, many are hoping that it will be realized with the same lead actor.

Marvel is gearing up for three unannounced films that are set to be released on May 1, 2020, July 2020, and Nov. 6, 2020. Many are hoping that one of these films is "Iron Man 4." But is it reasonable for "Iron Man" fans to hope that Robert Downey Jr. will still reprise his role if the film will be confirmed?

PakistanFirst reported that Robert Downey Jr.'s plate is full at the time. The highest-paid actor in 2015 just filmed with the rest of the Avengers in "Captain America: Civil War." After this, he is set to appear in the two-part "Avengers: Infinity War" which is slated for release in 2018 and 2019. So, given his tight schedule, it is impossible for Robert Downey Jr. to film "Iron Man 4."

Come 2019, will Robert Downey Jr film the much anticipated "Iron Man 4?" We can't still confirm because by that time he will be 55. Will he still be interested in playing the role? It seems not. With all of these facts, it seems that "Iron Man 4" with the original actor is unlikely to happen.

Will fans still watch "Iron Man 4" without Robert Downey Jr? Will Marvel gamble to produce the film without its versatile lead actor? Maybe, but it will definitely take time and Joe Russo has confirmed this.

"It's almost impossible to replace Robert, he's the biggest movie star in the world. One close up from Robert is worth another actor's entire performance, he's incredibly gifted and insanely talented," Joe Russo told Forbes.

"I think if and when he is done with the character I think you will find that Iron Man might disappear for a while. I think the only way that you could reboot that character is to give a generational gap that would allow another actor to at least have a chance to redefine that character without the enormous spectre of Robert hanging over it."

Joe Russo notes that there are still a lot of Marvel characters that fans can watch before seeing the next "Iron Man" again. Thus, without Robert Downey Jr., "Iron Man 4" is impossible. It seems reasonable as well for Marvel to give the franchise a break and make a reboot so they can start the franchise again with a younger actor.

Will this plan work? Will fans get over the thought of "Iron Man" without Robert Downey Jr? Maybe because by then, they will be catering for another group of audience, the younger generation who might not have followed Downey Jr.'s success in the franchise.

However, for those who knew the original actor, Robert Downey Jr. is simply irreplaceable as "Iron Man." Do you agree? Share your thoughts below.