Robert Downey, Jr. Joins ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

Perhaps time constraint, due to appearing in other superheroes’ films, is why Robert Downey, Jr. won’t be back for another solo Iron Man film. He’s just signed on to reprise his iconic role in Spider-Man: Homecoming. His casting has been rumored since the film received an official title, but now it’s official. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Homecoming will build on the relationship established between Iron Man/Tony Stark and Spider-Man/Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War.

Homecoming will be produced by Sony Pictures in collaboration with Marvel Studios, as per the deal they struck last year. The unprecedented agreement basically says Sony retains distribution and production rights to all solo Spider-Man films, but Marvel now has leeway to bring the web slinger on board for future Avengers films and other ensemble projects (i.e. Civil War) within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The news of Downey’s casting comes right on the heels of the announcement that Michael Keaton, who had been tapped to play an unnamed villain in Homecoming, has bowed out. The remaining cast includes Holland, Marisa Tomei, Zendaya, Tony Revolori and Laura Harrier.

Meanwhile, both Marvel and Downey have maintained that no further solo Iron Man films will be made. The good news is the character will still be part of Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 and Part 2, and possibly other future films as well. It’s doubtful Marvel is ready to bid adieu to Downey any more than Downey is ready to say farewell to Tony Stark.

Spider-Man: Homecoming will be in theaters July 7, 2017.

Image: Marvel (Walt Disney Studios)