Robert Downey Jr. Totally Denies Existence of ‘Iron Man 4’

Well, we called it.

While the internet exploded over Robert Downey Jr.’s surprise revelation on “Ellen” that Iron Man 4 was in development, we almost didn’t bother reporting the story. Why? Because if you actually watch the clip, even though he specifically says, “Okay, yes,“ when asked if he was going to star in Iron Man 4, it was pretty clear he was just playing to the crowd. You’d have probably got the same reaction if you kept pressing him about The Soloist 2 and wouldn’t let it go. We mentioned as much in our article about it, but until now, we were forced to admit that it may – just may – have been true.

But less than 24 hours later, Robert Downey Jr. has clearly denied the existence of Iron Man 4 in an interview with David Letterman. Unlike his vague affirmation on “Ellen,” he is now being very explicit: “There are no plans for an Iron Man 4. […] There is no script for Iron Man 4, but you know, they do have a plan, I think they’re going to announce it…”

“But I’m going to do other stuff with Marvel,“ Robert Downey Jr. added to placate Letterman’s concerns. “I’m still going to be involved with Marvel and there’s going to be plenty of fun stuff to happen.” 

This is bound to come as a disappointment to many fans, especially after the internet got their hopes up by taking Robert Downey Jr.’s comments at face value (inflection matters, people). But Marvel Studios knows that they have a valuable commodity in Iron Man, and we are confident that they have plans. They just won’t take the form of a solo project in the near future. And if that means more guest spots, or more Avengers spin-offs, that’s still good news. Iron Man isn’t going anywhere. His name just probably won’t be in a title card very soon.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled, Iron Man 4-less existence.

William Bibbiani is the editor of CraveOnline’s Film Channel and the host of The B-Movies Podcast and The Blue Movies Podcast. Follow him on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani.