Iron Man 3 has just recently opened in Australia and will be coming out on screens in the United States on May 3rd, naturally being the film that rounds the series out as a trilogy it, leaves the question of any further films being planned.It seems that Iron Man 3 marks the end of both Robert Downey Jr’s and Gwyneth Paltrow’s current contractual obligations to the Marvel cinematic universe, and in recent press junkets for the latest film Paltrow made the following comment;
I don’t think there’s going to be an Iron Man 4. I think we’re done with Iron Man.
Pepper Potts of course has been an integral part of the Iron Man series to date, though if we consider the lead role for the series in the context of Gwyneth’s comment, it’s almost impossible to imagine that Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal of Tony Stark could have ended so abruptly. Avengers 2 is well into scripting and while it’s possible Tony Stark could be left aside it’s almost a certainty that Disney/Marvel will do what is necessary to keep Iron Man (and Robert Downy Jr) a part of the Avengers for at least one more round if not two.
The comment above does raise the question however in terms of what happens when Robert Downey Jr does want to walk away from the suit? Fans of the comic series would be well aware there have been story arcs that have taken Tony Stark out of the spot light for long periods of time, giving Disney a few options to consider, and they could deliver this through an Avengers film.
Ultimately though we’ll just have to wait and see, the comment could be nothing more than a strategy for contract renegotiation, maybe we’ll see a new Iron Man film with Rhodey as the lead character wearing armour, or it could mean the Iron Man related characters are mainly going to be utilised in other Avenger related films for the next few years at least. For now, enjoy Iron Man 3!
