In a significant development for fans of Robert Downey Jr. Iron Man, the latest Marvel project sees the official Iron Man replacement actor return, this time donning a rare suit that Downey wore only once in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The highly anticipated release comes as Marvel continues to expand its multiverse and introduce new interpretations of iconic characters.
Robert Downey Jr. has been synonymous with Iron Man and the Avengers since launching the franchise with his portrayal of Tony Stark. While Downey is currently slated to play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, there have been no updates on him reprising his signature role as Stark or any Tony Stark variant within upcoming MCU projects. However, Marvel has recently released a new Avengers series, which does not belong to the MCU timeline but features the franchise’s recognized Iron Man substitute.
Iron Man’s Voice Returns for a New Avengers Adventure
On November 14, Disney+ premiered LEGO Avengers: Strange Tails, a two-part animated event spotlighting the hero Hawkeye. The storyline involves Hawkeye faced with reassembling a fresh Avengers squad to confront the original Avengers, who are under mind control, as well as the series’ mysterious villain. Mick Wingert, well-known among MCU enthusiasts as the voice of Tony Stark from Disney+’s What If…? series, returns to lend his talents once again for this latest Avengers installment.
Throughout the three seasons of What If…?, Wingert has voiced several versions of Iron Man from various alternate universes, stepping into the role originated by Robert Downey Jr. Although LEGO Avengers: Strange Tails is not officially part of the MCU, Mick Wingert’s casting continues the tradition established in the multiverse series.
Rare Hulkbuster Suit Featured in Latest Avengers Showdown
Unlike other mind-controlled Marvel characters in the new animated Avengers series, Wingert’s Iron Man works alongside Hawkeye to bring down Meryet Karim, the central antagonist of the event. For the decisive battle, Iron Man equips himself with one of his most formidable suits—the Hulkbuster armor—mirroring a pivotal moment fans will remember from the MCU.
In the climactic segment of LEGO Avengers: Strange Tails, Iron Man arrives on the scene with the Hulkbuster to square off against the Hulk, who is under the influence of mind control. This sequence draws a direct parallel to the sole appearance of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man wearing the Hulkbuster armor during 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, where Stark used the suit to subdue the Hulk amidst chaos triggered by Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch.
The Hulkbuster armor made a subsequent return to the MCU, this time worn by Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner in Avengers: Infinity War, rather than Downey’s Stark. This makes Wingert’s portrayal notable for bringing back the iconic armor that Robert Downey Jr. only wore once, offering fans a treat in the new Avengers animated project despite the difference in continuity.
As Marvel pursues different storytelling avenues across its properties, both live-action and animated, the decision to highlight this rarely worn armor in a new context emphasizes the ongoing legacy of Iron Man and those who portray him. Audiences are left contemplating how these reinterpretations will continue to shape the broader Marvel multiverse and the future of key characters like Tony Stark, especially as Robert Downey Jr. Iron Man remains central in the minds of fans worldwide.
