4 more MCU characters who definitely won't be back in Phase Five

1. Iron Man

In a way, Tony Stark is the originator of the MCU. Chronologically, his story isn't the first in the timeline, but it was the first one we saw, and its success ensured that the franchise could carry on beyond one Iron Man movie. But all good things must come to an end, and Iron Man's story did that in Avengers: Endgame when Tony sacrificed himself to save the universe from Thanos.

It was a fittingly emotional farewell for such a beloved character, and one that allowed Robert Downey Jr. to depart the franchise knowing that he had completed Tony's arc in a fulfilling way. With that in mind, we should never expect to see him back.

Tony's death brought about the end of an 11-year story and it was his sacrifice that allowed the MCU to live on past Thanos; past the Infinity Saga. Bringing him back now would cheapen the Infinity Saga and it would be hard to justify such a decision beyond it being a cash grab.

We're not ruling out the possibility of a cameo from RDJ in a flashback or as an alternate earth version of Tony Stark, but for however long the MCU continues to tell its story, we likely won't see Iron Man in a starring capacity ever again.