Kevin Feige Hints at Possible MCU Comeback for Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans

Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, recently discussed the possibility of Robert Downey Jr. returning as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Feige mentioned that Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine in the upcoming movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” demonstrates that bringing back beloved characters is feasible, provided it is done with great care. 

Downey and Evans both departed from Marvel Cinematic Universe after the release of the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame.

Thanks to the Multiverse “It Can Be Done”

Feige noted that thanks to the multiverse, “it can be done," as long as “great care is taken” with the characters and their storylines. Feige emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of past storylines while reintroducing characters. He also highlighted that the multiverse concept allows for different interactions of the same characters, making such returns possible without undermining previous narratives. 

“And we’ve been spending, you know, the last two-plus years figuring that out for Wolverine. So, what’s to come? We’ll see. We’re just proud that we, I think, have figured it out for Wolverine. I think Hugh’s appearance and starring role in [Deadpool & Wolverine] is a great sign that it can be done. 

What led to Wolverine’s Comeback? 

Hugh Jackman is making a highly anticipated return as Wolverine in the upcoming movie “Deadpool & Wolverine." This marks his first time reprising the role since “Logan” in 2017, which was intended to be his final appearance as the character. 

The decision to bring Wolverine back was influenced by the success of the “Deadpool” movies and the creative possibilities opened up by the Disney-Fox merger. Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, has been eager to team up with Jackman again, and their collaboration is expected to bring a unique dynamic to the MCU. The film is generating a lot of excitement, with fans looking forward to seeing the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman on the screen. 

Jackman portrays a new version of Wolverine, distinct from the one that catapulted him to global fame. This approach could potentially apply to Downey and his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark in the future. Feige emphasized to Vanity Fair last December that, similar to Jackman’s departure in “Logan,” he has no intention of altering Downey’s exit in “Avengers: Endgame.”

The Legendary Death of Iron Man

“We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again,” Feige said at the time about Iron Man’s death. “We all worked very hard for many years to get to that, and we would never want to magically undo it in any way.” However, Downey himself has been quite open this year about his interest in coming back to Marvel. Speaking to Esquire magazine after his Oscar win for “Oppenheimer,” the actor was asked if he would ever return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe now that he is officially an Academy Award winner. The actor didn’t hesitate to answer yes. 

“Absolutely. It’s an essential part of who I am,” Downey remarked. “That role found me. And remember, never bet against Kevin Feige. It’s a losing game. He’s the house, and he always wins.” Downey’s “Avengers” directors, Anthony and Joe Russo, are in discussions to direct the next two “Avengers” films for Marvel. However, they’ve previously expressed uncertainty about how their former star could return, considering Iron Man’s death in “Endgame.”