Thomas Roach on whether Iron Man 4 is closer than we think…

A few days ago Robert Downey Jr. took to his Facebook page and teased us with Iron Man 4. With Phase Three having been announced a few months back there was no sign of a fourth Iron Man movie, but it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr would appear in Captain America: Civil War. People have suggested that the adaptation of Civil War would require two films rather than one, and as Iron Man is such a big character, he should not be reduced to the villain but have his own movie to show his side of the story.

Marvel has stated that it may produce three films a year going forward, but 2016 currently only has two. Captain America: Civil War is set for release in May 2016 and Doctor Strange is set for a November 2016 release. With a seven month gap between these films fans may feel a little let down especially as there will be no Summer movie that year. However Doctor Strange was originally due for release in July 2016 before getting pushed back to November. This has opened up the late summer spot for another film.

Some people have suggested that Iron Man 4 could be placed at this time and follow some aspects of the Civil War storyline telling Stark’s version of events. This would allow Robert Downey Jr’s tease to have some meaning. He may have just been referring to the fact that he will appear in another movie as Iron Man, but in his message he specifically said the ‘next one’ in reference to the Iron Man movies.

If Marvel want to move Robert Downey Jr. away from the front of the Marvel Cinematic Universe then Iron Man 4 should not happen, but after the mixed reception to Iron Man 3 there is room for another solo film. I think that this may have been talked about at Marvel but I can’t see it happening. If there is an Iron Man 4 then it may have to be squeezed in elsewhere or left until 2019 or later. Three films a year plus superhero movies from other studios may oversaturate the market and destroy the genre. Three a year is plenty, but the only option for Iron Man 4 would be 2016 or 2019 and beyond.

Frankly it is a long shot that this will happen as soon as 2016, but with Robert Downey Jr. so popular it would not be a surprise if we do get Iron Man 4 in the future. If it comes in Phase Four, by that time Robert Downey Jr. will be approaching 60 years old so maybe it would be better to do it sooner than later. Still, there are no shortage of appearances from Downey over the next few years with him appearing in Avengers Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War and most likely Avengers: Infinity War – Part 1 and Part 2.

With Iron Man set to appear in Captain America: Civil War, this should keep fans somewhat satisfied during Phase Three. Iron Man 4 would be pushing the character a bit too much, especially if as expected Iron Man will appear in the two-part Infinity War. Do you think Iron Man 4 will happen, and do you want it to? Let us know…

Thomas Roach