5 Actors Who Could Replace Robert Downey Jr. in an Iron Man Reboot

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At the end of July 2025, Marvel officially confirmed that after "Secret Wars," we can expect a reimagining of the franchise.

MCU President Kevin Feige has announced a complete X-Men reboot. Plus, he says we're getting a new Tony Stark to replace Robert Downey Jr. Iron Man — the character who started it all — will now have a different face.
Actor Robert Downey Jr. in gray and black clothing stands surrounded by Iron Man suits
Scene from "Iron Man 3"
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But who could Marvel tap to fill those iconic shoes? Aaron Taylor-Johnson? Maybe Michael B. Jordan? Or Taron Egerton? Let's have some fun speculating while Feige's still making up his mind. Who knows — we might actually nail it.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Here's someone who already knows the comic book world inside and out: he's been both Quicksilver in the MCU and "Kraven the Hunter" in Sony's Spider-Man universe.
Actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson sits at a table with a crossbow in his hands
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven the Hunter
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The actor's got the right age (he turned 35 in June 2025), the experience, and that perfect mix of charisma and brooding intensity. And while many see him as the next Bond, Aaron's Stark could be less quip-heavy but more calculated and controlled than Downey's version.

Taron Egerton

He's already proven he can be both hero (in "Kingsman") and brilliant performer (in "Rocketman"). He knows how to balance cockiness with vulnerability — exactly what made Downey so compelling in the role.
Actor Taron Egerton in a gray suit and glasses sits on the hood of a car
Taron Egerton in "Kingsman: The Golden Circle"
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With his rugged good looks, it's about time Marvel brought this actor into the fold. Taron could make an excellent Wolverine, for instance. But Stark? Why not.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael already has superhero experience under his belt — both successful ("Black Panther: Wakanda Forever") and disastrous ("Fantastic Four"). But as an actor, he's got serious chops.
Actor Michael B. Jordan in a gray suit looking angry against a blurred background
Michael B. Jordan in Fantastic Four (2015)
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His Tony Stark could be a powerful step away from the classic portrayal. Plus it's an instant fresh take on Iron Man mythology.

Barry Keoghan

Obsessive, edgy, unconventional. This Stark would definitely push beyond the classic genius-billionaire playbook.
Actor Barry Keoghan in a red jacket with an earring standing against a yellow background
Barry Keoghan
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Barry isn't a superhero in the traditional sense, but he knows how to be magnetic even when his character is downright weird. Maybe that's exactly what a reboot needs?

Logan Lerman

Personally, I've been wanting to see Logan in Marvel for ages — especially after he outgrew Percy Jackson and delivered that dramatic performance in "Fury."
Actor Logan Lerman in military uniform with a cap on his head
Logan Lerman in Fury
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He could play Stark in his earlier years or even become a variation on Tony from an alternate universe.

Sure, completely replacing Downey is impossible. But building a new character for a new generation with a fresh style — studios have pulled this off before. The key is not trying to copy, but letting the actor build their own version of the hero. And who knows, maybe in ten years we'll be saying again: "He's the perfect Tony." Earlier on zoomboola.com, we gave you the full scoop on the upcoming X-Men and Iron Man reboots.