With three highly successful Iron Man films under his belt, Robert Downey Jr seems to be moving on from the character. While it sounded like he’s done with the series, the actor did mention that he is some-what open to coming back for Iron Man 4. Specifically, if Mel Gibson will direct, he’d very much consider reprising the role once more. So it appears Downey has a bit of a stand-off with Marvel if they really do want him back for another movie. It’s not a 100% guarantee that if Mel directs he’s on board, but he is a dear friend and Downey would appreciate giving him the chance to put his directorial mark on the series. After all, Gibson did help the actor in his struggling years before his Iron Man success and Downey has returned the favor by speaking up for the actor/director after his fall from grace.
Still, Robert Downey Jr offered up some more insight on how he feels about another Iron Man movie:
To me, it comes down to what’s the half-life of people enjoying a character? It’s different on TV, where you expect the longevity over seasons while movies get a two or three year break. Marvel keeps stepping up its game, and I appreciate the way Kevin Feige and all the creatives there think. They are as in the creative wheelhouse as any great studio has been at any point. So it becomes a matter of, at what point do I cease to be an asset to what they’re doing, and at what point do I feel I am spending so much time either shooting or promoting these films that I’m not actually able to get off the beachhead and do the kind of other stuff that is good for all of us. Each one of those movies is spread over two years and some people fit other things in. But I’m not 42, I’m turning 50 and now I’ll have two small kids instead of one grown one, and eight Team Downey projects with people who are imagining I’m not just spending Warner Bros’ money out of vanity, but that I’m taking it seriously. It all has become this thing that has to be figured out. It has come to a head, right now, where the points of departure will be.
You’ll still get another chance to catch the actor as Iron Man once more in next summer’s Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Source: Deadline