Avengers: Robert Downey Jr. learned Tony Stark’s fate years ago

Tony Stark’s death was pitched to Robert Downey Jr. a few years before Avengers: Infinity War or Endgame began production.

Of all the major developments in Avengers: Endgame, Tony Stark’s death was arguably the biggest. His passing will have lasting ramifications on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as evidenced by the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home. Robert Downey Jr. was aware of his character’s demise going into the film. However, he had more time to prepare for the event than some may think.

Empire Magazine recently quizzed Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige about Avengers: Endgame, and he revealed an interesting tidbit regarding Downey. Apparently, Feige pitched Tony Stark’s death to the actor back in 2015, while they were starting production on Captain America: Civil War:

"“I remember pitching that to Robert Downey Jr. probably in December of 2015, I think. I pitched him the idea of the two-part finale for Avengers and Spider-Man: Homecoming, which was a part of that leading into it. It took a little while, but eventually it came together.”"

Feige recalled that the notion of ending Stark’s journey took a little while to sink in, but it quickly became a reality for him and Downey as time moved on:

"“I think at first it doesn’t seem real that this journey will come to an end. But as it got closer to filming, it really was emotional for all of us, and particularly for him.”"

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If Kevin Feige has proven anything, it’s that he and his team at Marvel Studios are always thinking years ahead when it comes to their projects. So the fact that they’ve been planning Tony Stark’s death for the past few years isn’t too surprising. Orchestrating the death of a beloved character can also be difficult, and Marvel Studios even had to look to another superhero film for guidance. In the end, they were successful giving Stark’s sacrifice the emotional punch it needed to truly resonate with viewers.

While it is difficult to see Downey move on from the role, he was given an exit fitting of his vital role in Marvel Studios’ success. And as mentioned, Iron Man’s legacy will ensure he has a lasting presence in the MCU. This may even include a certain young heroine donning the armor at some point in the future.