Will Ty Simpkins Replace Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man Following ‘Avengers: Endgame?’
With the fates of our favorite superheroes still unknown as we approach Avengers: Endgame, fans have begun speculating on whether Iron Man will live or die. If the quick-tongued “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” bites the dust in the final battle against Thanos (or in some other completely unpredictable fashion), will we ever have another Tony Stark? Another Iron Man?
While Tony Stark and Iron Man may seem innately fused, various figures take on the same or a similar title (in the comics) who are not the lovable Tony Stark.
Think Iron Heart and Teen Tony: A similar character may appear Following ‘Avengers: Endgame?’
Iron Heart, also known as Riri Williams, is a teenage M.I.T dropout who creates a super suit by reverse engineering technology from an outdated Iron Man model. In the comics, the character comes to assist Tony Stark in the second Civil War (after he recruits her).
Another Iron Man in the comics – affectionately called “Teen Tony–” appears from an alternate timeline to save the day from an adult Stark who has been brainwashed and turned evil. This comic book plot was not too successful, but it does exist, so it’s worth mentioning. However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not known for following the comic books closely, and will likely devise some loose combination of plotlines and ideas presented in the comics.
Those behind Iron Man and The Avengers know that Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark; thus, convincing the public to accept a new Tony would be a difficult venture. However, convincing the public to accept a new Iron Man, who has nothing to do with Tony –and merely wears the same suit – would likely be a bit easier.
While fans would expect a new Tony to emulate RDJ perfectly, a new Iron Man or woman could have their own personality traits, tendencies, and historical profile. So, the question is: why may actor Ty Simpkins be the one to take on the role, and who is he?
*speculative type spoilers ahead*
Ty Simpkins plays Harley Keener in ‘Iron Man 3’ and is set to appear in ‘Avengers: Endgame’… to replace Robert Downey Jr.?
Ty Simpkins plays the tech-savvy boy, Harvey Keener, who comes to Tony Stark’s aid while he is stranded in Tennessee in Iron Man 3. While Harvey Keener doesn’t boast a major role in the film, Iron Man does set him up with the latest and greatest technology before leaving him behind.
What’s odd: Ty Simpkins is listed as a cast member in Avengers: Endgame on the IMDb page, which seems suspicious for a character who has not been in any other Avenger-themed films. Why would he need to appear in the last installment? Is he destined to take over for Stark? Will he be at the center of the scene following the credits? Did Stark leave Keener with so much technology, expecting him to one day follow in his footsteps?
Allowing Harvey Keener to become a new Iron Man would protect Robert Downey Jr. as the one and only Tony Stark, while allowing his superhero alter ego (Iron Man) to continue on, providing a new generation of superheroes for the next significant phase in the MCU.
If Ty Simpkins is set to be the new Iron Man, a teenage version similar to Iron Heart and Teen Tony, he will have large shoes to fill; however, fans will not expect him to be RDJ. Instead, maybe RDJ would go on to make appearances in Simpkin’s films as a mentor of sorts. However, this is all, of course, just speculation. And, if the Russo Brothers have surprises planned, they will likely provide Ty Simpkins with an alternate purpose.
