'Iron Man 4' release date unlikely this year; Tony Stark to face two villains?
There is still no official announcement on the release date of "Iron Man 4" despite previous rumors that it will premiere late this year. Even though the date has not been set yet, there are already plot rumors circulating online.
According to reports, American billionaire and Iron Man himself, Tony Stark, will be facing two villains in the upcoming installment.
Rumor has it that Fin Fang Foom will appear as the main villain. It could be revealed that he is the energy source of the antihero from the last "Iron Man" film, named Mandarin. If the rumors are proved to be true, then it would be a great continuation of the previous plotline. Fin Fang Foom is a dragon-like extraterrestrial creature that used to be one of Iron Man's enemies from the past.
Aside from Fin Fang Foom, there are rumors suggesting that Iron Man will face off with a fellow hero, Spider-Man. The teenager Spider-Man is said to fight against the founding member of the Avengers. Rumor has it that the upcoming "Spider-Man" film, starring Tom Holland, will also grace the guest appearance of Tony Stark as Spider-Man's mentor.
Although Robert Downey Jr. used to express to not return to the film franchise, his recent interview on ABC News Nightline heard the actor saying that he "could do one more" "Iron Man" film. This is a good indication that the wheels will start running for the production of the fourth installment of the superhero movie.
As for the director of the upcoming installment, "Iron Man 3" director Shane Black mentioned on Uproxx that Downey wants "Baveheart" actor Mel Gibson to helm it.
When asked for the reason, Black said, "Mel was great to him. Mel's been really nice to a lot of people, including me."
Since nothing seems to have been set in stone yet, it is likely that "Iron Man 4" will not be released anytime this year or even next year.