Here's one of the more ridiculous rumors about Iron Man 4 to hit the Internet recently- that actor Ty Simpkins will be replacing Robert Downey, Jr. in the fourth film in the Iron Man franchise.
Christian Today reports that Simpkins, a child actor who first starred in Iron Man 3 as Harley Keener (aka, the young boy who helps out Tony Stark when his Iron Man suit crashes in the wilderness) is up for the starring role in Iron Man 4- presumably not as Tony Stark, however, as his character has already been established in the Iron Man universe, but most likely as a young inventor who would take up the mantle of Iron Man in Tony Stark's stead.
Sounds ridiculous, right? Incredibly, there's actually a few hints that this might be true. Or, if not true, at least plausible. First, Simpkins is still young, but by the time Iron Man 4 came out (which, at the earliest, would be 2019), he'd be in his late teens- 18 or 19. Which is perfect for starting a new film franchise, as Marvel is reportedly looking to start casting younger actors in their major roles- say, Spider-Man, who's also going to be cast with a very young leading man.
There's also the fact that Simpkins was signed on for a 3-picture deal after his role in Iron Man 3. Presumably that means Marvel wants to keep him around for more films. Or, at least they've contemplated keeping him around with a serious enough concern that it's worth locking him into a few more movies, just in case. Obviously, there are plans for Simpkins somewhere in the Marvel universe, if not in an Iron Man suit.
As well, if all this is true, it could be the start of something brand-new: a re-casting of the entire Marvel Universe (or at least, its major heroes) in far younger roles, to allow the universe to continue decades into the future. It's certainly possible, and Simpkins in Iron Man 4 would be the first big step towards an all-new Marvel Universe.
Join the Conversation