Robert Downey Jr. Says 'No Plan' for 'Iron Man 4'

Marvel Studios is rolling in Guardians of the Galaxy money right now, but what are the odds the studio brings back its biggest grossing superhero for another Iron Man movie?

"There isn’t one in the pipe," Robert Downey Jr. told Variety. "No, there’s no plan for a fourth Iron Man."

Marvel has only officially plotted out parts of Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, slotting sequels to Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain America and The Avengers along with Doctor Strange for the next few years. There are still a few open spots on the Phase Three schedule, but Iron Man 4 has never seemed to be on the horizon.

After Iron Man 3, Downey only signed a deal for two more Avengers movies. One of those will be Avengers: Age of Ultron next summer. The third Avengers movie will most likely hit theaters in 2018. Downey has expressed interest in returning the role that sparked his career renaissance, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards.

Downey also addressed the possibility that someone else could play Tony Stark and Iron Man in the future, responding to Variety's question of whether he would let someone else take on the role that, "I like that the idea is that it would be up to me, like I'm casting director for Marvel."

There will be an Iron Man 4 movie eventually. It's very unlikely that Downey will still be in the role when it happens. Marvel is going to focus on new characters like Doctor Strange over the next phase or two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but we'll see Iron Man again after someday after Avengers 3.