Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man left an enormous mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, launching the franchise with 2008’s Iron Man and redefining superhero storytelling across the globe. His emotional farewell in Avengers: Endgame (2019) seemed like a definitive conclusion. But even in a post-Endgame era, Tony Stark’s shadow continues to loom large over the MCU.
While the franchise has shifted focus to new heroes like Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, Marvel has kept Iron Man in rotation—especially in animated projects geared toward younger fans.
Marvel’s What If…? brought back Stark in multiversal form, voiced by veteran performer Mick Wingert instead of Downey Jr., and the preschool-friendly Spidey & His Amazing Friends introduced a playful Iron Man to a brand-new generation.
Downey’s performance became a cornerstone of the MCU, with his Tony Stark appearing in three solo outings, all four Avengers films, and key crossover moments in projects like Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming. Fans saw the character transform from egotistical arms dealer to altruistic mentor, especially in his relationship with Tom Holland’s Peter Parker—a bond that deepened Stark’s eventual sacrifice.
Still, the story hasn’t stopped. In What If…?, alternate Iron Men appeared alongside variants of other major Marvel heroes like Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Captain Marvel (Alexandra Daniels), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Steve Rogers (Josh Keaton). The voice acting torch was passed to Wingert, expanding Stark’s presence beyond live-action.
In 2022, Spidey & His Amazing Friends added Iron Man to its core cast for Season 2, with John Stamos stepping into the role for the preschool-targeted show. Known for his performances in Full House, General Hospital, and Disney+’s Big Shot, Stamos brought a unique flavor to the character.
Speaking to ScreenRant, Stamos shared the challenge of stepping into the suit—especially with such a strong association to Downey Jr.’s version.
“I kind of came in thinking, ‘I’ll do something like Robert.’ And they’re like, ‘Don’t do that. Don’t do that,’” Stamos explained. “It was interesting, because they’re all kids! I’m coming in as a mentor, for sure, but also kind of the adult character. So, it took me a minute, but I think I found my version.”
He added: “I wanted him to be acerbic like he is; I wanted him to be the smartest guy in the room. And we get that across. I don’t know how much they used, but I throw in a lot of nicknames and stuff like that. Sometimes I’ll do stuff, and they’re like, ‘John, remember this is for three-year-olds, four-year-olds.’ Nothing dirty, but just maybe something a little more sophisticated.”
Now, Stamos is returning—this time as another Stark.
Premiering August 11 on Disney Jr., Iron Man and His Awesome Friends offers a fresh take on Marvel’s iconic tech-based heroes. The series features Tony Stark, Riri Williams (Ironheart), and Amadeus Cho (Iron Hulk) teaming up to solve high-tech challenges while donning custom Iron Suits.
According to Deadline: “Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends follows the adventures (and misadventures) of best friends and super geniuses — Tony Stark (Iron Man), Riri Williams (Ironheart) and Amadeus Cho (Iron Hulk)— as they work together to solve problems, both big and small, and protect their city.”
“In order to help them save the day, the Iron Friends each have their own Iron Suits that allow them to fly and give them enhanced super-strength.”
Among the familiar names appearing is Howard Stark—Tony’s father and a foundational figure in Marvel lore. In live-action, the elder Stark was played by Dominic Cooper and John Slattery, depicting him as a visionary who helped create S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Super Soldier Serum, as well as influence the development of Iron Man’s tech legacy.
Now, that role shifts to animation, with Stamos taking the mic once more.
“John Stamos is returning to the Iron Man universe. Stamos, who voiced the role of Iron Man (AKA Tony Stark) in the hit series Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, will take on the voice of Tony’s father, Howard Stark, in Marvel’s new preschool series Iron Man and His Awesome Friends,” Deadline reported.
With the Multiverse now a recurring fixture in Marvel storytelling, seeing different takes on the same character has become more accepted. From Loki to No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the MCU thrives on reinvention—even if rumors like Tom Cruise playing an alternate Iron Man didn’t materialize.
And in one of the most headline-making casting shifts, Robert Downey Jr. is set to return to the Marvel fold—not as Tony Stark, but as Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom.
Could Stamos’ vocal work eventually open the door to a live-action version of either Stark he’s portrayed? Time will tell. Let us know where you’d like to see him next in the MCU.
