Marvel Studios confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark for a one-time event in Avengers: Secret Wars. This return is made possible through a multiverse narrative, allowing a variant of Iron Man to join the current heroes. The announcement has caused a massive surge in ticket pre-sales and social media engagement.

Downey Jr. reportedly requested a script that honored the emotional legacy of his character's sacrifice in Endgame. He stated that he was moved by the "creative ambition" of the new story and felt it was the right time to return. The appearance is described as a "pivotal supporting role" rather than a mere cameo.

This move is seen as a strategic masterstroke for the MCU, which has faced fluctuating results recently. Bringing back the "face of the MCU" is expected to draw back older fans and bridge the gap to new characters. Production is shrouded in secrecy, with the studio utilizing "anti-drone" technology to prevent leaks from the set.