Robert Downey Jr. To Retire From Iron Man Role “Before It’s Embarrassing”

Since 2008, Robert Downey, Jr. has been known to be the only living actor who could successfully portray the role of Iron Man. For the past nine years, Downey, Jr. has been the face that people think of whenever they hear about Tony Stark. But in a recent interview, it looks like we’ll be seeing the last of him as Tony Stark/Iron Man really soon.

Robert Downey, Jr. To Hang Up Iron Man Jersey Before It’s Embarrassing

Given how Downey, Jr.’s involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s nearly (even entirely) impossible to imagine a world without Tony Stark. Despite fans wanting to see him to play Iron Man forever, Downey, Jr. has recently admitted that he won’t holding up the fort anytime soon.

Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man (2008). Photo by Marvel Studios.

Speaking to News.com.au, the actor discussed his future in the MCU, particularly with being Iron Man in the future films of the franchise.

“Everyone says to me it’s like a glove that fits so well. I have to start over every time but I am starting over with a pretty solid base. I just never want to blow it for the last six or seven [movies] I have done by dropping the ball because I decided to go do it one more time. I just want to hang up my jersey before it’s embarrassing.”

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). Photo by Marvel Studios.

Downey, Jr. also shared on why he always had the desire to come back to play the role, saying Marvel’s “tried and tested” formula and the people he’s working with are one of the reasons why.

“It’s this cyclical thing I could have said when the first Avengers came out: ‘It’s never going to get any better than that. Everybody stop’. But to me it’s always about people and opportunities, like the (Avengers directors Anthony and Joe) Russos, who I adore.”

Robert Downey Jr. in The Avengers (2012). Photo by Marvel Studios.

Indeed, Downey, Jr. has become a staple character within the MCU, with notable performances and key roles in the “Avengers” films and the recent “Captain America: Civil War.” Despite these films, however, there hasn’t been any solo “Iron Man” film since 2013. Marvel has also stated that there are no plans for a fourth “Iron Man” movie, seeing how the next phase of the MCU seems to be packed with new heroes and crossovers.

In the comics, Tony Stark has already passed on the Iron Man role to his young college protege, Riri Williams. This could be one of the story lines that the studio might adapt once Downey, Jr. finally says goodbye to the iconic role.