Iron Man 4: Robert Downey Jr. Says No

FILE - This April 18, 2013 photo shows actor Robert Downey Jr at the UK premiere of "Iron Man 3," in central London. Marvel announced Thursday, June 20, that the actor will reprise his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark for both “The Avengers 2” and “The Avengers 3.” Downey Jr. has played the character in a trilogy of “Iron Man” films, as well as the first “Avengers” film,” which made $2.7 billion worldwide. Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP, file

 Actor Robert Downey Jr. recently ended all speculation that there will be an “Iron Man 4” by Marvel. 

“There isn’t one in the pipe. No, there’s no plan for a fourth Iron Man,” Downey Jr. said in an interview with Variety. 

This could have something to do with Downey Jr.’s $15 million paycheck for “Iron Man 3” and the fact that he’s currently the most expensive actor in Hollywood. When the site asked if he would let anyone else play the role, the actor responded with typical irreverence. 

“I like the idea is that it would be up to me, like I’m a casting director for Marvel,” he said. 

Back in July he offered his fans a glimmer of hope, suggesting he'd be open to returning if the right opportunity presented itself. 

“It’s that thing of: why give up the belt when it feels like you can barely get jabbed?” he said. “Most people are saying that right when they get knocked out. The future is, as usual, uncertain.”

Although these recent developments don’t spell the last of Downey Jr. as he will return to the big screen in Marvel’s The Avengers 2 and 3.