The "Iron Man" franchise has been Marvel Studios' biggest success other than the two "Avengers" films, and many have begun to speculate when "Iron Man 4" will be announced. According to star Robert Downey Jr. in an interview with USA Today, fans are already getting it with "Captain America: Civil War."
Downey confirmed that while an official "Iron Man 4" would be a good idea, he did state that it isn't in Marvel Studios' plans right now. This coincides with the current film slate that Marvel has released, which does not include "Iron Man 4" up to 2019.
"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," Downey explained. "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."
Many fans have speculated that this may be the case given how important the character of Iron Man is to the story of "Civil War" and how much screen time Downey is likely to get in the film. Any potential story arc that could be implemented into "Iron Man 4," such as Iron Man agreeing to work for the government, is being played out here.
A key part of his character's role in "Civil War" is to contradict the beliefs of Captain America (Chris Evans), but Downey did confirm that his character wasn't going to be portrayed as a villain. Instead, if a fourth film did come out or if "Avengers: Infinity War" proves to be his final film, Tony Stark's descent would play out as a final story arc.
Downey also stated that at the moment, he isn't sure if he would direct a Marvel film in the future, although the concept is not off the table. He did praise director James Gunn for the work he has done with "Guardians of the Galaxy," a comic book franchise not many have heard of but still became a box office success.
"Captain America: Civil War" opens in theaters this May 6.
