The conclusion of Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was more than just the end of a series of films: it was also the end of an era and the farewell to a number of superheroes. Among them, of course, was Iron Man, the spiritual leader of the Avengers , brilliantly portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. As expected, for the next phase, Marvel Studios considered several actors who could succeed him on the throne; however, to this day, the title of leader of the group remains vacant. While they continue their search… which faces and characters did the company consider, and why were they ultimately rejected?
Tony Stark… a figure difficult to match
Iron Man had everything it took to become what he did. Tony Stark enjoyed an interesting journey through the Marvel films, establishing himself as a leader and proving that the role of the Avengers' top representative suited him perfectly. An actor at the peak of his powers to portray him—something far more important than we often realize—helped, possessing just the right amount of charisma to give us a character who was sparky, passionate, committed, and highly intelligent.
For a long time, we've wondered who could replace him as the group's leader, without getting a clear answer. Now, however, we've heard from Joanna Robinson, co-author of the (unofficial) book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios , who spoke on a popular podcast , revealing which actors Marvel Studios considered to try and make us forget Tony Stark.
Candidates discarded by Marvel
Finding a successor to a leader is no easy task: they must not only possess sufficient charisma and a strong background in the storyline; they must also offer something different that simultaneously makes us somewhat forget their predecessor. This is precisely what they were likely looking for in any of these candidates, without much success, of course.
- Chadwick Boseman: Black Panther was originally intended to be one of the most important figures of the new phases of the MCU and in fact, was the favorite in the halls of Marvel Studios to pick up the baton for Iron Man. He was even a leader in Real Lifeâ„¢, given what he represented within the black community. Unfortunately, his illness and subsequent death, at the age of 43, truncated all plans.
- Benedict Cumberbatch: Doctor Strange could have been a good candidate, but his figure may have remained somewhat paternalistic and old, especially taking into account the new generations. His solemn and somewhat tormented air doesn't help either: too different what Tony Stark had us used to.
- Paul Rudd: good old Ant-man is missing something. It is true that he has been in the UCM for a long time (in fact, he even joined the Avengers' great mission in Endgame), but he has something about his character that is not quite imposing (can you imagine him in a face to face with Thanos to "I'm Iron Man"?). Just as Doctor Strange is too solemn, Scott Lang is too soft.
- B: Putting a woman in charge would have been a good tactic and Captain Marvel had ideal characteristics for it, the most important being how incredibly powerful she is. She also turns out to be disciplined and imposing when she appears on the scene in front of her enemies, but on the other side of the screen. has not finished catching on with the public. It is therefore impossible to make her a leader without the approval of the fans.
According to Robinson, as transcribed in Espacio Marvelita :
I don't think they have a replacement and I think they were hoping that some of the people they had put there like Paul Rudd, Benedict Cumberbatch, the great Chadwick Boseman, Brie Larson, etc. could step forward as leaders both on and off screen. But this has not been the case for a number of reasons.
We must therefore forget about any of them and focus on other proposals. And you, do you have a candidate?