Robert Downey Jr returns as Iron Man for Disney theme-park attractions

Robert Downey Jr is returning to the role of Iron Man, but not for a new Marvel film. The actor will reprise the character for two new Disney theme-park attractions.

Disney announced the return during its D23 fan event. Downey will appear as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Avengers: Infinity Defense, an immersive attraction planned for Disney California Adventure in 2028. The attraction will also feature other Marvel stars, including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. 

The attraction will take visitors into an Avengers battle against Thanos, with the actors appearing as their Marvel characters.

Downey will also feature in another attraction, Stark Flight Lab, alongside Mackie and Brie Larson. In the experience, the actors will serve as flight instructors in a superhero training simulation. 

The announcement marks Downey’s return to the Iron Man role after Tony Stark’s death in Avengers: Endgame. However, Downey is also set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday, where he will play the villain Doctor Doom rather than Iron Man. 

SKS