The Avengers star Mark Ruffalo offers an optimistic response when asked about Robert Downey Jr.’s possible return as Iron Man in the MCU.
When asked about Robert Downey Jr.’s possible return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man, Mark Ruffalo offered an optimistic answer. Taking over the role of Bruce Banner/Hulk in 2012’s The Avengers, the actors co-starred in all four Avengers films thus far. They also shared the screen in Iron Man 3‘s hilarious post-credits scene. While not the most prominent friendship in the MCU, the pair developed a great dynamic throughout the Infinity Saga.
During the Emerald City Comic-Con Mean and Green: Mark Ruffalo Spotlight panel (via The Direct), Ruffalo was asked about the chances of Downey suiting back up as Iron Man in the MCU. While the actor didn’t give a concrete answer, his response was optimistic about the idea. Read his full quote below:
Sad, but there is a time machine. And there are alternate universes and realities, so anything could happen.
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Can Robert Downey Jr. Still Return To The MCU As Iron Man?
Iron Man’s death was the emotional crux of Avengers: Endgame. It also emphasized the end of an era as Marvel Studios bid goodbye to its inaugural hero. But just because he’s dead, doesn’t mean he cannot return. The franchise has either faked or worked around the idea of death so many times in the Infinity Saga, it’s fairly easy to bring back Downey’s Tony Stark.
Now, it will just boil down to whether Marvel Studios wants to bring back Iron Man. Ruffalo’s comment also highlights the MCU’s other options regarding the matter in a way that they don’t have to undo his death. Still, seeing Stark back in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga could cheapen his rather satisfying send-off. Considering how emotional his death was, it’s arguably better to hold off his potential return — if it’s something Marvel Studios is even planning on doing.
Based on reports, Marvel Studios isn’t planning on bringing back Iron Man in the MCU any time soon. There are several other characters in the franchise that could move it forward and Marvel would be better off focusing on them to sustain the universe. In any case, Downey is also busy with other endeavors including Christopher Nolan’s film, Oppenheimer, and the TV series, The Sympathizer.
