We may never see another solo Iron Man movie, but Robert Downey Jr. is not done with the MCU. Rumors circulated a while ago claiming that after his tussle with Captain America in Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, the actor would appear alongside Tom Holland in the solo Spider-Man movie. Now it’s confirmed and Tony Stark will indeed be back.
The trades, including Variety and THR, were the first on the news, though the actor's precise involvement is unclear. While most of the Marvel actors are still under multiple-film contracts, Downey was not—he's only under contract for future Avengers films through the end of Infinity War. The superhero movie conglomerate had to pay extra to get the actor to appear in Captain America: Civil War because, well, without him there wouldn’t be a Civil War. Though details on his new deal with Spider-Man: Homecoming are still coming to light, it would seem Marvel had to strike something similar.
According to official character descriptions for Civil War, the web-slinger was personally recruited by Iron Man to join the fight, so it would make sense that his tutelage is far from over. However, official plot details on Homecoming are still under wraps.
Jon Watts directs the film based on a script by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, while Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Sony’s Amy Pascal are jointly producing as part of the studios pact to include the character in the MCU. In addition to Holland, Marisa Tomei will play Peter Parker’s Aunt May, Disney channel star Zendaya will play someone named Michelle, Laura Harrier (One Life to Live) will play an unspecified role, Tony Revolori (The Grand Budapest Hotel) will play Peter’s friend Manuel, and Michael Keaton will play the villain, while some rumor-y reports claim the comic book baddie Vulture will make an appearance.
One thing remains crystal clear: Tony Stark will be walking away from the Civil War with his life.
Spider-Man: Homecoming will bow in theaters on July 7, 2017.
