After over a decade in the MCU, Robert Downey Jr. knows secrecy is key, meaning he won’t confirm or deny an appearance in the long-awaited Black Widow movie. Downey Jr. kick started the MCU by appearing in its very first film, Iron Man, back in 2008. His take on Tony Stark quickly became a fan favorite, leading to appearances in two sequel films, as well as numerous other MCU movies. However, thanks to Iron Man’s sacrifice in last year’s Avengers: Endgame, as well as Downey Jr.’s unofficial retirement from the MCU, it’s unknown if he’ll appear in future Marvel films.

Confusing matters even more, Downey Jr. recently commented on a return to the MCU at some point, saying, “I’ve hung up my guns and I’m good to let it go,” but also allowing that “anything could happen.” Many fans believe that “anything” could be a part in Black Widow, mostly due to a report from September 2019 suggesting an Iron Man reprisal in the film. Adding fuel to the fire is the time period Black Widow takes place in: between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. Plus, like Iron Man, Black Widow sacrificed herself in Avengers: Endgame, meaning Black Widow is already allowing one character to return from the dead.

Downey Jr. is currently promoting his new film Dolittle, and, unsurprisingly, there have already been questions about his future in the MCU. Per Entertainment Tonight (via CBR), when asked specifically about an appearance in Black Widow, Downey Jr. replied, “It’d be nice if they’d notified me… they can do anything now. This could be a deepfake interview for all we know!” Instead of responding one way or another, Downey Jr. didn’t actually answer the question, meaning an appearance in Black Widow could still be on the table.

Whether Iron Man returns in Black Widow or not, excitement for the film, which comes out this spring, is at an all-time high. Fans have been clamoring for a solo film starring Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow since she first debuted in Iron Man 2. The movie will focus on Natasha’s past, including her upbringing in the Black Widow program. Though it’s been awhile since fans saw the first footage from the film, Marvel released a new look at Black Widow earlier this week. The movie also stars Rachel Weisz (The Mummy), Florence Pugh (Little Women), and David Harbour (Stranger Things).

Though Downey Jr.’s comments ultimately don’t prove or disprove a possible return in Black Widow, they do indicate it’s still a possibility. Playing coy about upcoming cameos has long been an important aspect of the MCU machine. Since the source material for the films is obviously readily available via the comics, Marvel creatives and stars have to do what they can to keep things a surprise for fans. Black Widow already looks to be an exciting entry in the MCU, but a cameo from Iron Man himself could be the cherry on top.

More: How Iron Man Can Appear In Black Widow’s Movie (& Not Undermine Endgame)

Source: Entertainment Tonight (via CBR)

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