Robert Downey Jr. Shares How He Feels About ‘Retiring’ From The MCU

Marvel Studios

Whether we like it or not, we’re going to have to accept the fact that Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man — the godfather of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — will no longer be a part of the franchise going forward.

The cornerstone of the MCU ever since 2008’s Iron Man kicked off the franchise — as we now know — Tony Stark laid down his life in the climactic battle for the fate of the universe against Thanos at the end of Avengers: Endgame to snap the intergalactic sociopath into the ether.

And while the moment was easily the most emotional to ever occur in the MCU, the hard truth is that it cost fans one of their favorite characters.

However, fans weren’t the only reeling from Iron Man’s death, as Robert Downey Jr. called his exit from the MCU “sobering”.

Speaking to Disney twenty-three magazine for their fall issue, Downey Jr. discussed his ceremonial exit from the MCU and revealed that he knew he “had to get off”:

“We [Downey and Chris Evans] had to get off. We opted to, and knew it was part of the job to get off the bus while it rolled on to other destinations,” he explained. “There’s something very sobering about it. I’m glad he and I will be there to welcome others as they retire their jerseys.”

Downey Jr added that he’s “loathe” to talk about his “legacy” and making his mark, especially in comparison to Evans and fellow MCU star Mark Ruffalo.

“I really don’t need to look any farther than my co-stars. Mark Ruffalo is an activist, Chris Evans is a diehard American and proponent of true democracy,” he said. “I don’t really have the gumption, the skill set, the drive, or the humility either of those guys do.” [Digital Spy]

The Marvel Cinematic Universe will resume — without the services of Iron Man — in May when Phase 4 begins with the release of Black Widow.

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Eric is a New York City-based writer who still isn’t sure how he’s allowed to have this much fun for a living and will tell anyone who listens that Gotham City is canonically in New Jersey. Contact him: eric@brobible.com.