'Iron Man 4' Cast, News & Update: Robert Downey Jr. Returns For Next 'Iron Man' Film? Upcoming Film A Prequel?

For "Iron Man" fans, the next installment of the film series will not be worth it without its original star, Robert Downey Jr. Last year, there were speculations that the "Sherlock Holmes" star is done with the "Iron Man" franchise and will be hanging out his suit. However, according to new reports, Downey Jr. is set to reprise his role in "Iron Man 4" and the next film would be a prequel.

Robert Downey Jr. To Return In 'Iron Man 4'

There claims that a new actor will be taking the lead in "Iron Man 4" but fans did not show any enthusiasm in it. In fact, many believe that it is better not to do "Iron Man 4" without Robert Downey Jr.

"Iron Man" director Jon Favreau told Comic Book Movie earlier that he can't imagine other actor taking the lead in "Iron Man." Meanwhile, Joe Russo told Forbes that if Robert Downey Jr. is done with the franchise, it is better to stop the film series for a while and have a reboot in time. The generation gap will redefine the character to fit for a new and perhaps younger actor.

However, there are high chances that we will see Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man 4" as Tony Stark again because the actor has already expressed his interest in reprising his role. "I feel like I could do one more," Downey Jr. told ABC News.

'Iron Man 4' Will Be A Prequel

Aside from the lead star in "Iron Man 4," there are lots of talks about the storyline or plot of the upcoming film. According to Asia Starz, the next "Iron Man" film will be a prequel.

Per the report, the "Iron Man 4's" plot will focus on the events prior to "Captain America: Civil War." There are rumors, that it will also explain his failed relationship with Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow).

Aside from this, other sources claim that a female Avenger will take the lead in "Iron Man 4." Parent Herald reported that Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) would be taking over Iron Man's suit. However, it seems unlikely because Kevin Feige has a wider plan for the character.

"We think she's an amazing character. We think Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of her is amazing," he said. "She's a lead Avenger and has amazing stories in her own right to tell that we think would be fun to turn into a stand-alone franchise," Feige told Deadline.

Do you want Robert Downey Jr. to reprise his role in "Iron Man 4?" Do you agree that at the time there is no better actor other than the "Chaplin" star for the role? What do you think of "Iron Man 4" being a prequel? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

"Iron Man 4" is expected to hit the big screens in 2020.