It seems Marvel Studios is aiming to recreate the blockbuster success raked in by the last "Iron Man" movie with the rumored "Iron Man 4". But after Tony Stark gave up the source of his power in the last film, it may be time for a younger man to don it, and Ty Simpkin's name comes up.
Simpkins, a 13-year-old actor, played the role of Harley Keener who helped Tony get his act together and track the Mandarin in the last movie, according to Christian Today.
While no confirmation has been made by Marvel, rumors of Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark might be slim, Master Herald reported.
Based on his contract, Downey is required to make three films from the "Iron Man" franchise, Christian Today added. Since he has already starred in three "Iron Man" films plus the two "Avengers" movies, there are whispers that he might not be cast as Tony Stark in another "Iron Man" film.
Further fueling the speculations is Downey himself, who has been giving conflicting answers when asked if there was another movie in the works. In an interview with Variety, he directly said "there's no plan for a fourth 'Iron Man'", but when he was asked by Ellen in her show, he said "yes" and that they're "in the middle of negotiations". Some have noted that the actor, is aware that Marvel is considering a new direction in the movie and perhaps a new lead too, noted Master Herald.
Simpkins a worthy candidate?
Cinema Blend listed Simpkins impressive filmography. He has already appeared in movies such as "Revolutionary Road", "Insiduous" and its sequel, "Insiduous 2." Simpkins is also among the cast of the upcoming "Jurrasic World" film next to Chris Pratt.
With those acting experiences under his belt, it may not be too far-fetched to consider him as the next "Iron Man".
On the other hand, Gwyneth Paltrow, who played Pepper Potts, Tony's lady love in the franchise, is keen on reprising her role for a fourth time, according to Christian Today. "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," she said.
However, in the case of Robert Downey Jr., returning for a fourth "Iron Man" movie is up to the executives of the studio and not to him. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the actor said, "It's down to Kevin (Feige, Marvel Studios president) and Ike (Perlmutter, CEO of Marvel Entertainment) and Disney to come to us with what the proposal is, and that's on us to agree or disagree." He added, "When things are going great, there's a lot of agreement."
