by Actor Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk, hinted in a cryptic manner that Chris Evans‘ Captain America and Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man would return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The two original Avengers have reportedly been “[off] the table” at Marvel Studios ever after Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark and Evans’ Steve Rogers left the MCU with Avengers: Endgame, at least in the words of one executive.
Many fans and MCU performers, however, still hold out hope that Iron Man and the original Captain America will return to the franchise in the future. Many speculations suggest that they will appear in Avengers: Secret Wars.
As of right now, Evans’ Steve Rogers is an elderly guy who one MCU actor insists will still be alive after Endgame, but the armoured Avenger, who made his sacrifice with the Infinity Gauntlet, is still dead.
Mark Ruffalo Hints to Iron Man’s Return in the MCU
Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was on stage at Emerald City Comic-Con for the “Mean and Green: Mark Ruffalo Spotlight” panel.
He was asked how it felt to lose Chris Evans’ Captain America and Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man from the series during the Q&A session.
The MCU contains a number of ways in which the original Avengers could be brought back, so “anything could happen,” Ruffalo seemed to suggest, so there may be some optimism that their demise is not final.
“Sad, but there is a time machine. And there are alternate universes and realities, so anything could happen.”
The Hulk actor pointed to his spoiling history before moving to a cryptic statement when asked to clarify whether he was implying that Iron Man and the original Captain America could be seen once more in the MCU:
“[Laughs, looks at the ceiling] Are one of these boards going to fall on me? Man, are you trying to get me in trouble again? I’m not going to say it’s not possible, but I’m not going to say it is.”
Ruffalo is not the first of the Avengers 5 cast members anticipated to express excitement for Downey Jr.’s return as Iron Man. Jonathan Majors, who plays Jonathan Kang, previously expressed a desire to battle the armoured Avenger.
Why It Is Still Unknown Whether Robert Downey Jr. Would Return as Iron Man
Even the head of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, may not be positive whether Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man will be appearing in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars just yet. Even if the studio decides to incorporate them into the plot, there may be lengthy contractual negotiations.
The Iron Man actor received a $75 million salary for his part in Avengers: Endgame, and Marvel Studios had to pay $15 million for merely a cameo in Spider-Man: Homecoming. His comeback might be hampered by the studio’s anticipated unwillingness to write checks that size again, especially for what will surely be a rather minor role.
Even if Downey Jr. agrees to reprise his MCU Avenger role for the upcoming ensemble blockbusters, any prospective comeback will almost probably be kept under wraps to preserve the shock factor for the moviegoers. However there is always a chance of leaks, just like with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man: No Way Home parts.
If Marvel Studios can avoid any further delays, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty will arrive in theatres on May 2, 2025, and Avengers: Secret Wars will follow on May 1, 2026.
