"Nothing lasts forever."
With all signs pointing toward Spider-Man: Homecoming being a colossal hit this weekend, some eyes have started looking ahead to the unpredictable future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and while it certainly looks bright for new characters like Tom Holland's Peter Parker, it looks considerably more cloudy for several Marvel mainstays, none more so than Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark, a character we've known and loved since the MCU's inception in 2008.
While RDJ is currently filming Avengers: Infinity War and is expected to begin Avengers 4 later this summer, rumors have already started to swirl that the epic two-part Phase 3 finale may indeed be the end of the line for his version of Iron Man. Also, considering that there are no definitive plans in place for an Iron Man 4, which combined with the fact that he hasn't toplined a film since 2014's The Judge, it would make sense if the 2x Academy Award-nominee wanted to pursue other projects as he transitions into the next stage of his illustrious career.
Speaking with the Australian outlet News.com.au, Downey Jr. touched on his MCU exit strategy and suggested that he'd prefer to go out on top rather than outstay his welcome. “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. 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 (MCU 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.”
If he hopes to go out at the top of his game, then the upcoming Avengers sequels would be a golden opportunity to bid farewell, essentially his very own Game 6.
So, what do you guys think? Sound off with your thoughts below!
A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.
Spider-Man: Homecoming features:
Director: Jon Watts
Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man
Marisa Tomei as May Parker
Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man
Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes/Vulture
Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan
Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts
Donald Glover as Aaron Davis
Logan Marshall-Green as Jackson Brice/Shocker #1
Bokeem Woodbine as Herman Schultz/Shocker #2
Zendaya Coleman as Michelle
Laura Harrier as Liz Allan
Tony Revolori as Flash Thompson
Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds
Michael Barbieri as Jason Macendale
Kenneth Choi as Principal Morita
Martin Starr as Mr. Harrington
Hannibal Buress as Coach Wilson
Isabella Amara as Sally
Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Jorge
J.J. Totah as Seymour
Selenis Leyva as Ms. Warren
Abraham Attah as Abraham
Michael Mando as Mac Gargan
Garcelle Beauvais as Doris Toomes
Tyne Daly as Anne Marie Hoag
Tiffany Espensen as Cindy
Angourie Rice as Betty Brant
Michael Chernus as Phineas Mason/Tinkerer
Christopher Berry as Randy
Tunde Adebimpe as Mr. Cobbwell
Ethan Dizon as Tiny
Spider-Man: Homecoming swings into theaters July 7