With Iron Man 3 set to arrive in theaters at the end of the week (stay tuned for our review), fans are wondering what the future holds for Mr. Tony Stark, who’s played, of course, by Robert Downey Jr., who’s lengthy contract with Marvel is coming to a close.

Recently Iron Man co-star Gwyneth Paltrow said that there would not be an Iron Man 4, and though this is by no means an official, it does have everyone wondering what the future holds. We all know The Avengers 2 is on the way, and though not yet confirmed, it’s assumed that Downey Jr. has to be involved one way or another. But the actor also confirmed recently that he was paid a mind melting $50 million for playing Stark in the first Avengers, so he obviously does not come at a price that makes it easy for the studios to keep him locked up. Basically, the man has lots and lots of leverage right now.

Downey Jr. visited Jon Stewart on The Daily Show this week and the host asked about where things stood on the future of Iron Man. Continue below now to find out what he said and to see a video of the chat.

When asked about the future of Iron Man, Downey Jr. said he wasn’t sure, that they had a long contract and they were now going to renegotiate. He also said this with a smirk and a wink, so you can take that as you will.

Do you think Robert Downey Jr. will return to play Iron Man in future movies?

Video

[Source: The Daily Show]