'Iron Man 4' Tony Stark Death Rumors True? Two Alternatives Named

"Iron Man 4" release date rumors continue to spread like wildfire online. With Marvel and Robert Downey Jr. keeping mum about the fourth installment, fans are kept in the dark when it comes to any developments with the rumored upcoming Tony Stark standalone.

Previous reports have suggested that an "Iron Man 4" with RDJ in front and center could be highly unlikely at this point. Several rumors have pointed out that given the movie's timeline, the actor could be too old when the fourth installment gets green lit.

Other reports focus on the actor's hefty paycheck. As Vine Report noted, it could be possible that it was RDJ himself who declined to role after Marvel failed to offer him the pay he wants for "Iron Man 4." After all, he is the highest paid actor on Marvel's roster.

In order to settle the pay argument, rumors are also suggesting that Marvel could just kill Tony Stark during his "Spider-Man: Homecoming" stint. Chattsportsnet previously noted that producers could go this route to somehow give way to a new "Iron Man" in the franchise.

Several successors have been named online. The MCU could most probably mirror the events in the comic books where Tony Stark has already passed the baton to 15-year-old genius Riri Williams. The new heroine will don the Iron Man suit and will be called "Iron Heart."

Another character in the comic realm that will get a shot in donning the Iron Man suit is Dr. Doom. As iO9 reported, Von Doom was recently given a wardrobe overhaul by having an Iron Man suit remade in his own image.

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