Iron Man is a Big Part of The Avengers 2, Says Studio

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, currently making the interview rounds in support of today's massive Iron Man 3 theatrical release, has been pressed in almost every interview to discuss the state of Robert Downey, Jr.'s contract with the studio, which expired after this film. And in a call with Superhero Hype, Feige produced something legitimately informative. "Currently, as you may imagine, Iron Man is a big part of Avengers 2 and that's what we're focusing on and what Joss [Whedon] is focusing on. So where we go after that remains to be seen, but certainly, Avengers 2 being the next appearance, the next storyline for Iron Man," the executive said. "Do I think there will be another Iron Man movie? Of course I do. Who will be in that movie and who will be a part of that movie? Who knows? And how far down the line will it be? Will it be right after Avengers 2, will it be a few years after Avengers 2? Who knows?" That Iron Man is a big part of The Avengers 2 is potentially very telling; while there's obviously a possibility that Rhodey could sub in as Iron Patriot or even as Iron Man (as he's been known to do in the comics before) in a pinch, much of the chemistry in The Avengers relied on Robert Downey, Jr.'s portrayal not of Iron Man but of Tony Stark. The way he bounced off of Thor, Captain America and Bruce Banner was a key element of the team's dynamic and, one assumes, will be something that Whedon retains if he's writing the script as though a deal will happen.