Marvel has confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. will not be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Vice President of Production and Development at Marvel Studios, Stephen Broussard, says Iron Man options "aren't on the table." As can be seen, Iron Man died in Marvel's most successful film yet, Avengers: Endgame. Furthermore, He sacrificed himself to save the world. His funeral topped off the emotional scenes of his final moments. However, Broussard says that, since then, the MCU is now in a huge transition period. Now, they're moving away from the Avengers narrative and Phase Five will connect everything released in Phase Four.
Specifically, Broussard told io9, "I think one of the meta-narratives of Phase Four was about new characters. It was about new people stepping into mantles. If you look at, like, Cassie [Lang in Quantumania] getting a suit and Kate Bishop [in Hawkeye], new characters being introduced like Jack in Werewolf by Night. After these first 10 years of Marvel storytelling, torches are being passed, like with Robert Downey Jr. no longer being [on the] table and stuff like that. So, it was kind of like a new generation stepping to the forefront which, again, has always happened in the comics."
Marvel Changing Faces
Additionally, This news comes with the announcement that Harrison Ford is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ford has appeared in some of the biggest film franchises in the world– from Star Wars to Indiana Jones. Rightfully, there are high expectations for him in the MCU. He will replace William Hurt, who passed away in March at the age of 71. Hurt played Thaddeus E 'Thunderbolt' Ross in the MCU. Ford will now play the character.
Fans have already seen his character, Thunderbolt, in The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow. Furthermore, in the fifth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sebastian Stan and Florence Pugh will star a stand-alone Thunderbolts film. The film is set to follow a group of supervillains who are recruited to go on missions for the government. Additionally, Ford has also signed a deal with Marvel to appear in Captain America: New World Order, as well.
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