Will Riri Williams be in Marvel movies?

Does Marvel’s new Invincible Iron Man have a shot at making onto the big screen?

At some point in the near future of comic books, Tony Stark will be stepping down from the mantle of Iron Man. As announced today, 15-year-old Riri Williams will be taking his place as the Invincible Iron…Woman? Man? The cover released today still has Invincible Iron Man on it. So, Iron Man’s going to be a lady…but what does that mean for the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Will Tony Stark be stepping down there as well? 

The answer basically boils down to “maybe someday, but not for now.” Here’s why.

Right now, Robert Downey Jr., who is basically Tony Stark at this point in all but name, is contracted to appear in a few more movies: Spider-Man: Homecoming and then the two Avengers flicks. He’s said previously that he’s down for another standalone Iron Man, but that would likely have to come after the second Avengers movie…which is scheduled for release in 2019.

That’s three years for RDJ to change his mind, look at his piles of money, and maybe decide that it’s time to retire the suit. He’s done it once already with regards to more movies. It’s more than possible that he could do it again.

That’s also three years for Marvel to look at the response to Riri Williams and decide if she’s worth putting into the movies. The company has already shown a willingness to represent more kinds of people with the upcoming Black Panther and Captain Marvel movies, late though they might be. Giving Riri a chance to shine in movies would be another big move.

Moreover, Marvel went pretty young with its last big addition to the MCU in Spider-Man. Peter Parker, according to the Captain America: Civil War writers, is 15 in his first appearance. By the time Riri might hit the screen, he’ll be older, wiser, and able to act as a mentor. Thematically, it would work out nicely and keep up the Iron Man/Spider-Man MCU connection.

All of this is sheer conjecture, though. It’s going to likely be a long time before we see Riri Williams on the big screen, if we see her at all.

For now, fans will just have to content themselves with her starring as Iron Man in the comics.

For more entertainment news, check out the FanSided hub page.