'Iron Man 4' release date, plot news & update: Scheduling conflicts forces Robert Downey, Jr. to shed iron suit? Actor confirmed for another Marvel movie?

Marvel Studios have been keeping mum concerning the fate of the "Iron Man" franchise. It seems like they have purposely kept their lips tight about the prospect of a fourth installment of the famed franchise, which is what fans are speculating will be Robert Downey, Jr.'s swan song for the iconic character.

Jon Favreau, who directed the franchise, recently came back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but instead of a reunion project with Downey, Jr., he was discovered to be reprising his role as Happy Hogan in "Spider-Man: Homecoming," which will star Tom Holland. Apparently, Favreau will also be back as executive producer for "Avengers: Infinity War," but as to developments in "Iron Man 4," none has been given.

There are talks that both Favreau and Downey, Jr.'s schedules are full to the hilt with Downey, Jr. expected to return to Atlanta to start the back-to-back filming of "Avengers: Infinity War" and the yet-to-be-titled fourth installment of the "Avengers" franchise. Rumors also have it that the Tony Stark actor will be appearing on the small screen via the Nic Pizzolatto brainchild "Perry Mason" reboot.

Meanwhile, Movie News Guide reports that Downey, Jr. recently posted a photo on his Facebook account with a caption that says, "New project Jon Favreau and Roy Choi are working on!" Fans immediately assumed that Downey, Jr. might be reprising his role as Iron Man in "Spider-Man: Homecoming." On the photo, the actor can be seen with Holland, Kevin Feige, Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Favreau, and celebrity chef Roy Choi.

There are even reports that the Iron Man character will meet his demise in the "Spider-Man" movie, which many surmise will be Marvel Studios' way of choosing a new actor to don the Iron Suit. According to speculations, whoever gets chosen to wear the suit will play the lead in "Iron Man 4."

If Tony Stark/Iron Man is included in the cast of "Spider-Man Homecoming," then fans can expect to see Downey, Jr. on the big screen on July 7, 2017. He will also be back with the rest of the Avengers for "Avengers: Infinity War," which is slated for release on May 4, 2018.

In the meantime, keep coming back for more news and updates about "Iron Man 4."