Is Robert Downey JR going to step away from Tony Stark?

With the release of Iron Man 3 just around the corner, the cast and director have been plugging it around the world. One question that has propped up more than once is whether this is the last time Robert Downey JR will be reprising the role of Tony Stark/Iron Man. Now that he's completed three Iron Man films and an Avengers movie his contract is up, so will he sign a new one?

In my opinion, he'd be silly not to do so. Since his return from god knows what he's established himself as one of Hollywood's most unique leading man, but you have to say, most of that is down to Tony Stark. I don't know about you, but I certainly see Tony Stark when I see Downey JR over anything else he's played in the past eight years since his return in the marvelous Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. He basically is Tony Stark. Everything about him is similar to the "genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist" that we have grown to love.

However, Downey JR is a big household name now. He could walk onto any film he wanted to right now. He's just that good. And who knows? Maybe he wants to try new things. Who would blame him? Iron Man has taken up five years of his life already.

I certainly hope he doesn't though. Let's be honest, who could replace him? I can't think of anyone who could fit the mold of Tony Stark let alone better RDJ. If he doesn't stay the Iron Man franchise is in big trouble, not forgetting that The Avengers films would then be missing a key ingredient - Downey JR was one of the best parts of The Avengers.

So, my opinion? Robert Downey JR should keep playing Tony Stark until we invent clones, then he can do what he wants. In all seriousness, he IS Tony Stark, why not get paid for it?