Marvel Studios has brought Iron Man back to the screen in a surprising new way through the animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, offering fans a fresh take on the iconic armored hero. This appearance comes nearly a year before Robert Downey Jr. is set to return to the MCU. In episode 8, titled Tangled Web, Iron Man swoops in to stop Doctor Octopus (Dr. Otto Octavius) after he reveals his mechanical arms for the first time. According to ScreenRant, Octavius quickly surrenders upon Iron Man’s arrival, underscoring just how respected and feared Tony Stark remains in this alternate reality.
This version of Iron Man is voiced by Mick Wingert, who has previously portrayed the character in Marvel’s What If…? series. The animated Tony Stark appears to follow a similar arc to the one Downey Jr. brought to life in the live-action MCU. The setting of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man places the story during key moments from Phase 3 of the MCU, around the time of the Sokovia Accords and the Avengers’ Civil War. Episode 4, Hitting the Big Time, even gives fans a glimpse of the airport battle in Leipzig, tying this animated world to the familiar events of the live-action movies.
In a surprising twist, Marvel fans received exciting news in July 2024 when Robert Downey Jr. was announced to return to the MCU—not as Iron Man, but as the infamous villain Doctor Doom. This announcement, made during San Diego Comic-Con, marks Downey Jr.’s first return to the Marvel universe since Tony Stark’s emotional sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Downey Jr. will take on the role of Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, which sent shockwaves of excitement through the fanbase. Despite taking on a new villainous role, many fans are hopeful that this return could eventually lead to Downey Jr. suiting up as Iron Man once again.
While Marvel Studios has not confirmed any plans for Iron Man’s live-action return, the Multiverse Saga has already introduced multiple versions of beloved characters. With alternate versions of Iron Man appearing in the animated What If…? and X-Men ’97 series, as well as his recent return in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, the possibility of a live-action Iron Man revival remains on the table for fans.