Latest ‘Iron Man 4’ News: Release Date Still Unknown, As Marvel Mulls Fate of Franchise

The release date of "Iron Man 4" remains a big question, as news has surfaced that the movie isn't included in the highly-anticipated third phase of Marvel's Cinematic Universe.

According to Screen Rant, "One film that has been noticeably absent from the roster is Iron Man 4."

Although the movie's main star Robert Downey, Jr. has been in negotiations with producers since 2014 to reprise his role as billionaire-industrialist Tony Stark, there has been no official word yet if "Iron Man 4" is among the three unannounced movies of Marvel for 2020.

"With no official word on Iron Man 4, we can only speculate as to the possibility of the film's status in terms of development," the report said.

And if ever Marvel decides to proceed with "Iron Man 4" and announce a release date for the film, there is a possibility the company may decide to do so without Downey as its titular hero.

Screen Rant noted that although the 50-year-old actor has played the role for eight years, "it is possible he could simply be burned out on playing the same character."

Another main concern for Marvel is the timing of the film's production, considering Downey's advancing age once the cameras start rolling.

"Assuming that Iron Man 4 is one of the films released in 2020 - which is a large assumption considering how many other properties Marvel could fast track between then and now - Downey would be 54 at the time of filming," Screen Rant pointed out.

In the meantime, Master Herald speculates that the decision to greenlight "Iron Man 4" and the finalization of its release date may also largely depend on Downey's talent fee. 

"While Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man is the most bankable among the Avengers superheroes, he is also the most expensive and it is possible that if he finally agrees to do 'Iron Man 4' around 2019, his asking price might be in the vicinity of $150 million or more," Master Herald said.

The online news portal, however, noted that Marvel Studios will have no problems meeting the actor's demand, as three of its films are on the list of the Top 10 highest grossing movies which include "Marvel's The Avengers," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," and "Iron Man 3."

"In those three movies, Robert Downey Jr. was paid $80 million for 'Avengers: Age of Ultron,' $50 million for 'Iron Man 3,' and a little less for 'Marvel's The Avengers,'" Master Herald reported.

In the meantime, fans will just have to wait a bit longer for news as Marvel mulls the fate of "Iron 4" and comes out with a release date.