Iron Man star teases return in MCU sequel

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is on the up and up again, and it seems like everybody’s clamouring to return.

Robert Downey Jr. is easily the biggest name that’s confirmed to be returning thus far.

As I’m sure you’re aware, the actor won't be portraying Tony Stark.

This time, he’ll be starring as Victor Von Doom, premiering in Avengers: Doomsday.

Whispers online say that Scarlet Witch will return in the next Avengers film, playing a major role in the team, while Thor 5 is also reportedly being currently considered.

I’d urge you to take those whispers with a pinch of salt for now.

Clearly, the MCU is in a state of transition as it settles into this new stride. Kang is out, Victor Von Doom is in.

We don’t know what other changes will lie ahead.

What we do know is that one OG MCU star is keen to return: Iron Man’s Jeff Bridges.

ICYMI: The first trailer has just been released for Thunderbolts*. The film is due to release in May 2025.

Jeff Bridges portrayed the MCU’s very first villain, Obadiah Stane.

It was in the 2008 film that Stane developed the Iron Monger armour from Tony Stark’s prototype.

I have to say, his ending did seem pretty final which may explain why Stane hasn’t surfaced since.

In the film’s climax, Stane is electrocuted by his prototype arc reactor, which he then falls into - and, of course, it explodes, sealing any uncertainty about his fate.

Ironheart is on the way, and Armour Wars hasn’t been officially cancelled even if we are wondering where it is, so does that mean there’s room for Stane to return?

On the Happy Sad Confused podcast (via Comic Book), Bridges told host Josh Horowitz that he’s not against popping up again: “Who knows? It's all science fiction and I could maybe pop up again."

"Well, when I read the script, Obadiah Stane falls into that vat at the end. In the script that I read and agreed to do, they pulled it [the armour] out and they opened it and I'm not there,” he added, which definitely adds fuel to the fire.

It’ll be interesting to see if anything comes to fruition in the coming years.