Robert Downey Jr. left his role as Avengers: Endgame, with the film Downey's last playing the beloved hero.
As Marvel offers a glimpse of the legacy of Iron Man, and how it differs. A visit from Downey and his iconic character would be an exciting way to bring Ironheart into the franchise. However, the actor has told multiple interviewers that he's done with the MCU and has moved on to new projects on and off-screen.
Downey has good reasons for his decision to leave the role of Iron Man and the MCU. In 2020, Downey said in an interview (via Downey has repeated that sentiment multiple times, confirming in September 2020 that he was "all done" with Marvel movies. While talking at length about his post-Iron Man ventures with Daniel Roth (via LinkedIn), Downey said he wanted to focus on his philanthropic work and didn't have the time while working long hours on MCU sets. "I’m not just going to lay around and sit in my trailer between setups anymore," the actor explained.
Was Robert Downey Jr Right To Leave The MCU When He Did?
Speculation has swirled about a possible return since the death of Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame. It's understandable, as he was the spark that lit the fire of the MCU when his first movie not only rebooted the Marvel franchise on film but arguably helped to reinvigorate the superhero genre. Downey's portrayal was a major part of the success of not only the Iron Man standalone movies but also the first three phases of the MCU. However, his departure actually opens up more potential for new characters to step up and become the focus of the greater franchise storyline, giving the spotlight to many talented actors. In this way, Downey's exit has helped keep the MCU fresh to avoid fan fatigue.
On the personal side, Downey's comments and discussions in interviews show he's given himself the room to expand to other acting and producing projects and to dive headfirst into his philanthropic efforts. Armor Wars. It's evident that Downey made the right choice for himself, the MCU, and the character of Iron Man.
