Rumors that "Iron Man 4" is in development have been around since 2014. With Robert Downey Jr.'s appearance in "Spider-Man Homecoming" as Tony Stark, rumors are resurfacing that there will be an "Iron Man 4." There has been no statement from Marvel yet but there are rumors that Downey's character, Tony Stark, would pass on the suit to a teenage girl, Riri Williams.

"Iron Man 4" Production

Speculations suggest that there will be an "Iron Man 4" though it is not likely to come anytime soon. Since Marvel has already revealed their Phase 3 timeline that details all movie productions until 2019, the movie, if any, would be released in 2020.

Some reports claim that Downey Jr. would no longer don Iron Man's costume for the new film and that Tony Stark could be killed off in "Spider-Man Homecoming." However, it would be more fitting if Iron Man's death would be staged in "Avengers: Infinity War" which would be released in 2018.

Downey's portrayal of Tony Stark has been one of the cornerstones of Marvel's cinematic success. Movie critics believe that giving his Iron Man a heroic death in "Infinity War" would be the best way to kill off his character. As one of the highest paid actors in the world, it would not be surprising why Marvel might find it too expensive to maintain Downey on their payroll.

Heir To The Iron Suit

One theory surrounding "Iron Man 4" movie is that it will feature Riri Williams. Based on Marvel Comics, Williams, a 15-year-old genius, would don the Iron suit next. Stark has been looking for a genius scholar at M.I.T. in "Captain America: Civil War." Williams would be the recipient of this scholarship when Stark saw how she created her own Iron suit in her dorm.

Although Downey's Iron Man would be in "Avengers: Infinity War," there has been no news of any sequel for his solo movie. Given Marvel's secrecy with their films, anything could be possible. Still, Iron Man's fate would be clearer after the next "Avengers" film.