'Iron Man 4' rumors: Clamored-for movie part of MCU's Phase 4?

(Facebook/Iron Man)Rumors claim that "Iron Man 4" may be one of the three movies Marvel Studios will release in 2020.

While rumors claiming that Robert Downey Jr. will no longer top-bill another solo "Iron Man" movie, it is suspected that the actor may don the iron suit once more for "Iron Man 4," which will be one of Marvel Cinematic Universe's first three movies for its Phase 4. 

According to the latest reports, it is possible for Downey Jr. to reprise his Tony Stark/Iron Man role for another solo "Iron Man" movie, despite rumors claiming that the chances for Marvel to produce "Iron Man 4" are bleak. As Marvel has announced that it has three unnamed movies slated for a 2020 release, all of which belong to the first wave of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) Phase 4, some can't help but suspect that "Iron Man 4" is one of them.

There is no denying that "Iron Man 4" is one rumor magnet despite the fact that its fate is still very much up in the air. According to earlier reports, it is unlikely for Marvel to produce the said movie because of Downey Jr.'s pricey talent fee. On the other hand, some claim that it is unlikely for the highly anticipated movie to see the daylight as, at 51 years now, Downey Jr. may be already too old to play the role once it enters production.

Before the release of last year's "Captain America: Civil War," Downey Jr. disclosed in an interview that there are no plans for an "Iron Man 4," and that the upcoming "Captain America" movie then would be a sort of his mini "Iron Man 4."

"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," the actor told USA Today in March last year.

Late last year, Marvel big boss Kevin Feige revealed in an interview that, while the thought of replacing the actors playing certain Marvel superheroes, including Iron Man, crosses his mind, he does not intend to do so anytime soon.

"I think most of these characters that are iconic, like (James) Bond, like Batman, like Spider-Man, like Iron Man, someday will be portrayed by different actors. The good news right now is I don't have to think about that for a long time. We have storylines for this cast for many years to come," Feige said.

Does this mean that Downey Jr. will don the iron suit for another solo "Iron Man" movie apart from appearing as the iron-clad superhero in the upcoming "Spider-Man: Homecoming" and "Avengers: Infinity War?"

Fans can only hope so.

Copyright © 2016 Ecumenical News