Variety is reporting that Robert Downey Jr. will reprise the role of Tony Stark in Sony and Marvel’s upcoming co-production of Spider-Man: Homecoming. The size of his role in this film has not been revealed yet, so Tony’s appearance could be anything from a cameo to a larger supporting role. At this point we’re unsure whether he’ll show up as just Tony Stark or if he’ll actually don the Iron Man armor and suit up to help Spidey battle a bad guy (or two).
Considering Kevin Feige’s recent comments about how Marvel Studios characters will be able to cross over into Sony’s Spider-Man movies, combined with early word about how well Spidey and Iron Man get along in Captain America: Civil War, this announcement seemed inevitable. Another thing that hasn’t been revealed yet? How much Downey will get paid for this appearance. Considering how much he’s been banking on the success of his Marvel movies thus far, one has to imagine it will be a staggering amount, but I’m sure more details will emerge soon.
Additionally, the site reveals that Michael Keaton, who was recently rumored to be playing a villain in the movie, may not be able to work out a deal and the search may be on for a new actor to fill that role. It would have been interesting to see what Keaton could have done as a bad guy in a comic book movie.
Spider-Man: Homecoming stars Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei, Zendaya, Tony Revolori, and Laura Harrier. Jon Watts (Cop Car, Clown) is directing from a script by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. The film hits theaters on July 7, 2017.