Other than the "Avengers" films, the "Iron Man" franchise has been Marvel Studios' biggest hit. After all, the first "Iron Man" movie kick-started the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the first place. However, according to star Robert Downey Jr., a fourth film in the franchise is not likely going to happen in the near future.
Speaking to USA Today, Downey revealed that Disney and Marvel Studios currently don't have any plans for a fourth "Iron Man" film but that wouldn't be much of an issue given how big a role Iron Man has in the upcoming "Captain America: Civil War."
"I don't think that's in the cards," the actor explained. "In a way it's 'Cap 3' but for me it's like my little 'Iron Man 4' and then it's back to the thing we all recognize. Everything pulls over to the side of the road when the thunder of an 'Avengers' thing comes through because that's how it is until it changes. If it changes."
Iron Man does get significant character development in "Captain America: Civil War" as he is the character that agrees with the government plan to place a law that oversees all individuals with super powers, likely as a reaction to his faults in "Avengers: Age of Ultron," but Downey revealed he will not turn into a through-and-through antagonist.
Instead, Downey revealed that such a move on Iron Man should be saved for a fourth film, if the studios ever agree to move forward with one. He also revealed that despite his character not agreeing with Captain America (Chris Evans), he would still like to be seen in the people's favor.
Marvel Studios has laid out their schedule of films until 2019, with the last films scheduled to release being the second half of "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Inhumans." If a fourth "Iron Man" movie were to be greenlit now, it would be released beyond 2019.
