The original Iron Man (2008) was a surprising critical and financial success upon its 2008 release, which brought about a new era of not only the quality of superhero films that came after, but in the way that Hollywood blockbusters in general are made.

Robert Downey Jr.’s transformative take on the then B-list comic book character was a pivotal component to the film’s lasting legacy. Many feel that any other actor in the role wouldn’t have made the film well remembered as it is today. Now, as the film’s tenth anniversary is fast approaching and the Marvel Cinematic Universe has reached olympian heights of popularity and quantity, Tony Stark himself feels that it is almost time for him to hang up his repulsor rays and missiles.

After this weekend’s Spider-Man: Homecoming and the forthcoming Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4, how much more of the invincible armored Avenger will we see in MCU, at least with Robert Downey Jr. in the suit?

Downey to Australia’s News.com, “It’s this cyclical thing. I could have said when the first Avengers came out: ‘It’s never going to get any better than that. Everybody stop’. But to me it’s always about people and opportunities, like the Russos, who I adore. Everyone says to me it’s like a glove that fits so well. I have to start over every time, but I am starting over with a pretty solid base. I just never want to blow it for the last six or seven [MCU movies] I have done by dropping the ball because I decided to go do it one more time. I just want to hang up my jersey before it’s embarrassing.”

Will the MCU ever feel the same without its founding member? Will the Avengers carry on without Downey Jr.’s hyper-verbal quips and attitude? Let us know in the comments below!