The Comics Just Provided the MCU with a Perfect Way to Bring Robert Downey Jr. Back
We all remember what happened in Endgame. The Avengers discovered a way to defeat Thanos and reverse the Snap, with Iron Man ultimately wielding the Infinity Gauntlet to annihilate Thanos and his army. However, this act of heroism came at a great cost, as Tony Stark sacrificed his life, unable to withstand the Gauntlet’s immense power. Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man, a cornerstone of the MCU and arguably its most pivotal character, received a heroic death befitting his significance and influence. While it was a dignified exit, it also marked one of the series’ most tragic moments.
Since that poignant scene, MCU fans have been speculating about RDJ’s potential return, proposing various ways it could be done respectfully and meaningfully. Now, it appears that the Ultimate Marvel comic series has provided the MCU with a perfect method to reintroduce Downey in a cameo that would honor both the actor’s impact and the legacy of his character.
If you’re not keeping up with the latest Marvel comics, we want to let you know that this report will discuss ‘Ultimate Invasion’ #4, a recent issue from Marvel’s Ultimate Universe imprint. This imprint, published since 2023, introduces classic Marvel characters in a new fictional continuity called Earth-6160, an alternate history Earth. While these stories are part of the larger Marvel canon, they exist outside the main continuity.
In this universe, Iron Man is the first MCU hero to be reborn, but with a twist. The young Ultimate Tony Stark does not become Iron Man but instead takes on the role of Iron Lad, offering a fresh perspective on his character. However, the most intriguing aspect is the presence of another major character in this alternate timeline: Ultimate Kang. Current evidence suggests that Tony Stark is actually Ultimate Kang, meaning the famous superhero has been reborn as a time conqueror.
This approach not only honors Iron Man’s comic book legacy but also presents the MCU with an excellent opportunity to reintroduce the character. Currently, Kang the Conqueror is poised to be the next major MCU villain (though Jonathan Majors’ future with the role remains uncertain). This storyline opens the door for the MCU to bring back Robert Downey Jr. for a cameo appearance.
If the MCU continues in this direction, it allows for the introduction of numerous Kang variants. While Jonathan Majors initially portrayed all these variants, there’s a possibility that one of them could be Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark. Some fans even speculate that this scenario is among the multiple realities Doctor Strange glimpsed when he looked into the future.
This wouldn’t be the first time the MCU has linked to the Ultimate Marvel universe; the MCU’s Nick Fury is a prime example of this direct connection. Bringing RDJ back in this manner would be an excellent approach. It would fulfill the fans’ desire to see him return to the MCU while also honoring his legacy in the most fitting way possible. We wholeheartedly support this idea!
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