An Unexpected Iron Man 3 Character Is Returning For Avengers 4

Avengers 4, the currently untitled sequel to next year’s Avengers: Infinity War, will be tasked with the mammoth undertaking of wrapping up everything that’s happened over the past decade of the MCU in style. As such, it looks to be bringing in just about every major player in the franchise to tie things together. And, as it turns out, the odd smaller player, too.

According to IMDB, one star introduced into the Marvel universe back in Iron Man 3 is going to be making a very unexpected return in Avengers 4. Could it be, say, William Sadler’s President Ellis? Or maybe Ben Kingsley returning as Trevor Slattery? Nope, it’s actually young actor Ty Simpkins, who played Harley Keener in the Armored Avenger’s threequel.

Fans will remember that Harley was an important part of Iron Man 3, with much of the film’s heart being derived from Tony’s interactions with the boy once the hero was forced to lay low until he rebuilt his suit. While he was one of the best parts of that movie, it’s a big surprise that he’s allegedly making a comeback here, to say the least.

However, it does make more sense when you consider the fact that Simpkins signed up for a three picture deal with Marvel when he appeared in Iron Man 3. That doesn’t mean he was 100% locked in for that many movies, but it does suggest that the studio always planned to do more with the character at some point.

So, what role could Harley play in Avengers 4? Well, a few years ago there was a rumor that the character was being set up to be the next incarnation of Iron Man once Robert Downey Jr. shaves off his Tony Stark beard for good. The idea’s not actually as far-fetched as it sounds, either, as recent comics have seen Stark replaced by teenager Riri Williams AKA Ironheart.

On the other hand, we could be way off base on this one. Maybe Simpkins will simply show up for a minor cameo as part of what’ll likely be many nods to past MCU movies? As Harley would now be in his mid-teens and also loves science, he could even be a pal of Peter Parker’s?

The answer to this latest mystery will arrive when Avengers 4 hits cinemas on May 3rd, 2019. Avengers: Infinity War, meanwhile, lands a year earlier on May 4th, 2018.