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October 17, 2023 holds a special significance for devoted Marvel enthusiasts, marking a day of profound sadness. To those who meticulously followed the temporal leap in Avengers: Endgame, the events transpiring five years into the future take place in 2023. This inference arises from the presumption that the cataclysmic events of Avengers: Infinity War unfolded in 2018, with Endgame seamlessly continuing the narrative.
On this day, the linchpin of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the stalwart leader of the Avengers, Tony Stark, meets his end in 2023. While there are intricate fan theories pinpointing how we deduce Tony’s demise on this precise date, what truly matters is that today serves as an occasion to blast AC/DC and savor some cheeseburgers. Nevertheless, if you find yourself curious about Robert Downey Jr.’s current activities, rest assured, you’re not alone.
As Twitter swells with hashtags commemorating the legacy of Iron Man, some netizens, in their concern, misconstrue these trends, interpreting them as a collective lament for the loss of the actor himself, not just the fictional character. If you fell into the unfortunate group that momentarily believed RDJ had been untimely taken from us, take a breath of relief—Robert Downey Jr. is very much with us. Given that the actor hasn’t even reached the age of 60, many of us are fervently hoping for his continued presence for years to come.
As for the potential of a reprisal, Robert Downey Jr. has yet to weigh in on the anniversary of his most iconic character’s passing. Speculation abounds whether Endgame marked the final time we’ll witness RDJ don the suit and trademark goatee. While the actor himself hasn’t directly addressed the prospect of a comeback, Marvel executive Stephen Broussard indicated in an interview with io9 that the return of Robert Downey Jr. is “no longer being on the table,” dimming the hopes of Marvel enthusiasts for an Iron Man cameo in Phase 5.
That said, fans need not look too far for a glimpse of RDJ gracing the silver screen once more. In his inaugural dramatic role since departing the MCU, Downey Jr. assumed the character of Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer.” Critics and devotees alike have been effusive in their praise for his performance in the film. Additionally, in 2022, Downey Jr. produced a documentary tenderly honoring his late father, Robert Downey Sr., aptly titled “Sr.” The documentary delves into the life and career of his father and is available for streaming on Netflix. Of course, if you’re inclined to join the collective mourning for Tony Stark, all the Iron Man and Avengers films are accessible on Disney Plus.