Casting rumors about "Iron Man 4" is starting to get wild, even before an official announcement about the film has been made by Marvel Studios.
Earlier talks about the future of the blockbuster superhero movie began when actor Robert Downey Jr. failed to provide a straight answer on whether the film has already been given a go signal or not, or if he will stay with the franchise.
According to reports, Downey's contract with Marvel stipulates that he is only bound to make three films for the franchise as the iconic billionaire Tony Stark/ Iron Man. Since he already made three "Iron Man" movies, as well as two films for the "Avengers" franchise, a lot of speculations are saying that he may not appear in the fourth film anymore in case it will be produced by the studio.
Downey appeared in the first "Iron Man" movie as well as its two sequels. He also appeared as the playboy billionaire in the first "Avengers" movie and it set to be seen in the next one, "Avengers: Age of Ultron." He is also expected to reprise his role as the CEO of Stark Industries in the upcoming "Captain America: Civil War" movie.
Now, rumors are circulating about the possible takeover of young actor Ty Simpkins for the Iron Man role. Fans will remember the 13-year-old Simpkins as the boy named Harley Keener who helped Stark find the whereabouts of "Iron Man 3" nemesis, The Mandarin.
Rumors are saying that Harley will wear the Iron Suit once Stark decides to hang it up. Harley will continue Stark's legacy once the fourth installment of the film is set. Speculations are saying that the fourth "Iron Man" film will be released after the final installment of the Avengers franchise dubbed as "Avengers: Infinity War" is shown sometime in 2019.
Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow is also open to reprise her role as Stark's love interest Pepper Potts in the future Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. Yet she wouuld also understand if she will be replaced in the upcoming films.
"I don't know, I'd like to do it. But they might swap me out for an 18-year-old Pepper Potts or something," the actress said.
