Iron Man 4? Paltrow Thinks Sequel Won't Happen

It’s already selling out theaters a week before its U.S. premiere…and early reviews are stunningly sparkling (we’ll, however, wait until CraveOnline’s William Bibbiani and Witney Seibold unveil their views next week).

But it could be that Iron Man 3 will be the end of Tony Stark’s cinematic solo adventures — if co-star Gwyneth Paltrow’s take on Shellhead’s future is accurate, that is.

During an interview with Geek Nation last week (you can watch the video below), Paltrow said,

“I don’t think there’s going to be [an ‘Iron Man 4’]. I think we’re done with Iron Man.”

Now, before everybody freaks out, let’s look at what we know…

Both Paltrow and star Robert Downey Jr. have admitted they only signed on for three IM films, which means they’re technically free agents. Meanwhile, Downey is playing mostly coy on the future of the franchise as well, although he is also hinting that his days of playing Tony Stark could be drawing to a close.

“How many genre movies can I do?” Downey told GQ. “How many follow-ups to a successful follow-up are actually fun?”

While it’s widely believed Downey’s will eventually sign on for Avengers 2, yes, it’s possible that Iron Man 3 could signal the last Armored Avenger feature. It’s also possible that Downey has officially turned down future Iron Man films behind closed doors and Marvel Studios is keeping a lid on that sour little tidbit, not wanting to disrupt the current IM3 media onslaught.

But before iron fans suffer repulsor meltdowns, let’s keep in mind — it’s certainly not unheard of for actors of Downey or Paltrow’s stature to play a little negotiation hardball with a studio via the press.

And c’mon…if Iron Man 3 is as big a hit as anticipated and assuming the whole Tony Stark thing remains even remotely creatively satisfying for Downey, Marvel’s gonna back up another Brinks truck to Downey’s door and make every effort humanly possible to greenlight Iron Man 4.

Hell, if Downey made anywhere close to the $50 million he was reportedly given for The Avengers, not to mention the assumed payday he’s in for once he signs on dotted line for Avengers 2, let’s not go kicking dirt of the Iron Man juggernaut quite yet.

Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images