Three 2026 MCU Projects Wouldn’t Exist Without RDJ’s Iron Man

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Since the first Iron Man movie launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008, the franchise has grown tremendously. Even now, nearly two decades later, Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Iron Man continues to shape Marvel Studios’ films. Several movies planned for 2026 wouldn’t be happening at all without the foundation laid by Iron Man, highlighting how much Marvel still depends on its original superhero.

Marvel’s plans for 2026 mark the beginning of the end for Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga. While Iron Man hasn’t appeared since his selfless death in Avengers: Endgame, his legacy continues to have an impact on the story.

It’s not that every new Marvel project needs Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man to succeed. The MCU is moving forward with shows like Daredevil: Born Again and the upcoming Punisher series on Disney+, and those don’t depend on Iron Man at all. But it’s surprising how many of Marvel’s future plans still tie back to his character in some way.

These 2026 MCU Films & Series Are Built Upon Iron Man’s Legacy

Wonder Man

I’m really excited about the new Disney+ series from Marvel, Wonder Man. It looks like a fun, lighthearted take on superheroes, and Yahya Abdul-Matteen II is playing the lead, Simon Williams – he’s an actor who’s secretly got superpowers! Plus, Sir Ben Kingsley is back as Trevor Slattery, his character from previous Marvel films, which is awesome. It’s great to see that storyline continuing within the universe.

Ben Kingsley initially played the villain known as the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. The Mandarin was motivated by revenge against Tony Stark for interfering with his organization, the Ten Rings, in the original Iron Man movie. Stark hunted him down, only to discover that Kingsley’s character was an actor impersonating the true Mandarin, who wouldn’t be revealed until many years later in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Without Slattery’s introduction in Iron Man 3, Wonder Man wouldn’t be the show it is today.

VisionQuest

Following the success of WandaVision and its spin-off, Agatha All Along, VisionQuest will conclude the story started in those shows. The new series, coming to Disney+ later this year, will explain what happened to Paul Bettany’s character, Vision, after he left at the end of WandaVision.

Paul Bettany was among the first actors to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, initially providing the voice for the AI character JARVIS in Iron Man. Later, his character became a physical being in Avengers: Age of Ultron due to the Mind Stone.

The upcoming show, VisionQuest, will feature AI systems originally created by Tony Stark – including Ultron, FRIDAY, and EDITH. This means the show relies heavily on the technology and inventions established in the Iron Man and Avengers movies, all thanks to Robert Downey Jr.’s character.

Avengers: Doomsday

Although Avengers: Doomsday isn’t a direct sequel to Iron Man, the movie heavily relies on Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the role.

Many fans were surprised to hear Robert Downey Jr. would be back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after his apparent farewell in Avengers: Endgame. Marvel Studios found an inventive solution: bringing him back as the villain, Victor von Doom. The possibilities of the Marvel Multiverse allow Downey Jr. to portray two distinct characters within the same universe.

Victor von Doom’s resemblance to Tony Stark will likely be a major point for his former teammates in Avengers: Doomsday. Robert Downey Jr.’s long history playing Stark will make his transformation into a villain even more impactful. Audiences already know and love RDJ as Tony Stark, and they’re excited to see what he brings to this new, darker role.

Look, Marvel could’ve gone with anyone for Doctor Doom, but I was really pleased they brought back a familiar face – or faces! – for Avengers: Doomsday. It instantly taps into that nostalgia for the Infinity Saga era, and it’s just cool to see a classic MCU actor return, but with a new spin on their role. It felt like a smart move to connect the past and present of the universe.

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2026-02-08 18:05