So what changed between last week and today? Robert Downey Jr. has been incredibly flaky about a possible fourth Iron Man film, sometimes seeming interested and other times not so much. There's a good chance it was all part of his negotiating ploy, something he's gotten quite good at, because today during his appearance on Ellen he answered a question about Iron Man 4 by confirming it was happening. Check out the video yourself...
Uh, and no, it won't be directed by Mel Gibson like Downey said a couple of days ago. As expected, he was just giving an off-hand remark that he didn't expect to be taken so seriously. Or at least that's what he said during a recent Reddit AMA when asked about it.
RDJ: "It was an offhanded remark to a journalist and friend. I have other projects in mind for Mel and I – sooner than later the Marvel Roster will be made public and all questions will be answered."
It's that last part that's especially interesting. A fourth Iron Man film throws a monkeywrench into what a lot of people were expecting from Marvel's next phase. With rumors of Avengers 3 being split into two movies or springboarding into something new and different, this is a new wrinkle to consider. Of course, it all boils down to the contract talks, and it's worth noting that he didn't say it would be him starring as Iron Man. Marvel could, and has previously suggested, that the franchise could go on with someone else in the suit.
You'll want to check out the AMA for more of Downey's thoughts on Agents of SHIELD, Sherlock Holmes 3, and a potential Perry Mason project.
