Can you imagine anyone other than Robert Downey Jr. as billionaire genius philanthropist Tony Stark and his alter ego, Iron Man? No? Because Marvel might be able to, if RDJ ever decides to hang up the armor.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige spoke to Badass Digest about 'The Avengers' and Iron Man’s future, saying that while he hopes Downey stays in the role for “a lot of movies,” he sees the character as a sort of James Bond hero, where other actors could step into the role and carry on the adventure.

“If and when [Downey Jr.] doesn’t, and I’m still here making these movies, we don’t take him to Afghanistan and have him wounded again [for a reboot]. I think we James Bond it.”

Which is fine. All I know is I wouldn’t want to be the guy who tried to fill RDJ’s shoes if and when the actor, 47, decides he’s had his fill of repulsor blasts and vintage Scotch.

Not that Downey’s going anywhere. He’s about to start filming ‘Iron Man 3’ with his ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ director Shane Black at the helm. I’m willing to bet he also returns for ‘The Avengers 2,’ whenever that massive endeavor comes together.

But Marvel has no problems plugging in new actors when previously-cast talents don’t work out. Just ask Terrence Howard.

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