Robert Downey Jr.’s Post-MCU Projects Are Great For His Iron Man Return

Amid the clamor for Marvel Studios to bring back Tony Stark, Robert Downey Jr.’s post-Marvel Cinematic Universe is a good indication for his Iron Man return. Avengers: Endgame culminated the Infinity Saga, and to emphasize its importance in MCU’s history, the film also marked the end of its inaugural hero. Years removed from the massive franchise event, Marvel Studios move forward with the Multiverse Saga while Downey busies himself with a string of projects both on the big and small screen. While there’s no concrete indication that he will reprise Iron Man again, one detail in his upcoming endeavors is good for his potential return to the MCU.Iron Man’s Avengers: Endgame death poetically wrapped up his more than a decade-long arc in the franchise. It was arguably the best way the character could have been written out of the MCU. Still, there’s interest in seeing Downey again in the role, especially considering his fantastic performance. The introduction of the Multiverse allows Marvel Studios to do that without undoing his swan song. If they finally take advantage of this, Downey’s post-MCU projects effectively help him easily slip back into the shoes of Tony Stark.Related: Christopher Nolan’s Praise Gives RDJ His Best Post-MCU Future

RDJ Looking Unrecognizable In New Projects Makes His Iron Man Return Easier

Downey’s post-MCU career has been very active thus far, producing with his company, Team Downey, which recently released Sr. Aside from that, he is set to star in two upcoming projects: the much-anticipated biological film Oppenheimer from director Christopher Nolan where he will play Lewis Strauss, and the TV series, The Sympathizer, with his role still unknown. While plot specifics for the endeavors are still under wraps, set images reveal one thing they have in common: Downey is unrecognizable in both. This makes his possible Iron Man return easier because it’s unlikely that fans will just do a variation of Tony Stark in the projects mentioned above.

Changing his looks is good in terms of separating himself from the MCU. Stark had a signature look, and for the most part, Downey mimicked that aesthetic in real life. Altering his appearance effectively prevents people from being desensitized to continuously seeing him look like Tony Stark in his other projects, especially since they have similar personalities and signature quirks. If Marvel Studios indeed brings back Iron Man to the MCU after doing very different roles in Oppenheimer and The Sympathizer would only add to the anticipation of seeing him again as Tony Stark.

Will Robert Downey Jr. Ever Actually Return As MCU’s Iron Man?

Despite his death in Avengers: Endgame, there’s no official rule that Downey’s Iron Man cannot return to the MCU. The franchise has several ways to bring him back, especially with the Multiverse now in full play. A few projects could use his presence, such as Armor Wars, Ironheart, and even Avengers: Secret Wars. However, while this is possible, it doesn’t mean that Marvel Studios should do it. If they plan on bringing Iron Man back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s best to wait a bit longer so as not to cheapen his Avengers: Endgame send-off.

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