If you’re just as familiar with Marvel comic books as you are their movies, then you know of how there’s a beauty to some of their characters that doesn’t require recasting. In fact, Avengers: Endgame saw Steve Rogers pass the mantle of Captain America to Sam Wilson. Had he not, Bucky Barnes would’ve been another option in keeping with the source material.
Similarly, we could apply the same logic to Tony Stark, though his successor is yet to be introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But based on all that we’ve been hearing lately, it’s really only a matter of time before Ironheart makes her jump to live action.
So, if you’re looking forward to seeing this play out on the silver screen, then it should please you to know that our source is telling us that Tony Stark could potentially return as an artificial intelligence in an Ironheart movie. This is, of course, in keeping with comic book lore, as a facsimile of Shellhead was created on several occasions, should he not be around in the flesh. It’s important to note that this isn’t a sure thing just yet, but it is indeed being discussed at the studio.
With projects such as Black Widow, The Eternals, Shang-Chi, Captain Marvel 2, Doctor Strange 2, Black Panther 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 being on Marvel’s immediate agenda, it’s probably safe to assume that an Ironheart flick is still a few years off. Even so, the wait will afford moviegoers ample breathing room after Stark’s death in Endgame.
By that, I mean letting Robert Downey Jr. stay away from the franchise for a while is actually a good thing. Think about it: if the Powers That Be brought him back immediately, then his character’s death would carry no real weight. But if, say, his essence were present and able to hand the torch to Riri Williams in a handful of years, then True Believers will be able to properly love him 3000 – or even 3001.
Believe it or not, Downey and Tom Holland are already among those in prestigious positions wanting to see Ironheart in the MCU. With that kind of support behind her, it’s really only inevitable that the wheels start turning.