Marvel fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Robert Downey Jr. is reportedly willing to compromise to return as Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor, who launched the start of the MCU with 2008s Iron Man, witnessed the conclusion of his characters journey in Avengers: Endgame. Amid intense speculation about bringing Tony back, Downey is reportedly dropping his asking price to make it happen.
Tony giving up his life to defeat Thanos (Josh Brolin) in Endgamewas a fitting conclusion to his story arc. There is no debating that Tony diedin the film, yet fans are already hoping that Marvel finds a way to resurrectthe character.
With the studio exploring elements of the multiverse in WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, there are plenty of ways they could bring Tony back from the dead. Downey is already set to reprise the role in Black Widow, though that film is set before the events in the Infinity Saga.
Downey has hinted that he is open to returning to the role atsome point, but a major sticking point in the negotiations has been his salary.Downey was one of the highest-paid actors in Marvels lineup, so bringing himback will no doubt cost the studio millions of dollars.
Inside sources say that Marvel is not willing to match whatDowney requested, which has effectively put an end to their contractdiscussions.
Over time, it is possible that Marvel would have caved toDowneys requests. But that has changed in light of the actors recent boxoffice flop, Dolittle.
According to WeGot This Covered, a source claims that Downey is now open toaccepting a smaller salary after his first post-Marvel project was a majorfailure. The insider did not say how much Downey is willing to cut, but itmight convince the studio to bring him back a lot sooner than expected.
At this point, it sounds like Robert Downey Jr. could use theMarvel more than ever. That could change in the near future, but this isdefinitely a promising sign for fans.
Marvel, of course, has not said anything about bringing Downey back to the MCU. The studio is currently gearing up for the premiere of its first movie in Phase 4, Black Widow, which could face delays over the COVID-19 pandemic.
While we wait for official news, Downey opened up about returningto the MCU while on his promotional tour for Dolittle. According to CNET,Today host Hoda Kotb asked the actor if he is keeping the doorcracked open for a return to the MCU.
The actor was very grateful for the opportunity to be a part ofthe MCU and did not say for sure that he will be back. He did, however, teasethat a return is not completely of the table.
I am so pleased, just that, I wound up where I have, RobertDowney Jr. stated. Im very fortunate so, Im not the kind of guy who I want to try to keep it classy. Well see.
The interview came a few months after Jeff Goldblum told fans that Downey was returning to voice Iron Man in Marvels upcoming animated series, What If? Reports later dismissed the idea, saying Downey has not made any commitments.
Robert Downey Jr.s massive salary request was not the only thing on his wishlist. The actor also reportedly told Marvel that he would only return if they teamed him up with Tom Holland, who plays Spider-Man in the MCU.
Outside of their work with Marvel, Holland and Downey struck up afriendship similar to what their characters enjoy on the big screens. In fact,Holland recently revealed that Downey has been a mentor for him in the movieindustry and that they often FaceTime each other.
Downey has not commented on the reports surrounding his contractnegotiations with Marvel. Holland, meanwhile, is currently gearing up for thestart of production on his next MCU movie, Spider-Man 3.
Fans can watch Robert Downey Jr. reprise his role as Tony Stark in Marvels upcoming Black Widow.
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