Robert Downey Jr. is putting the Iron Man suit back on, but this time the comeback comes through Disney’s theme-park universe. The actor will reprise Tony Stark for Avengers Infinity Defense, giving fans another chance to see the beloved hero after his emotional Avengers: Endgame farewell.
Robert Downey Jr. and more return in MCU roles for Disney’s Avengers Infinity Defense ride
Marvel fans are getting another big reason to visit Disney California Adventure. During Saturday’s D23 presentation, Disney announced a new Avengers attraction led by Robert Downey Jr., with several familiar MCU stars joining the party.
Jeremy Renner is back as Hawkeye, Anthony Mackie returns as Captain America, and Chris Hemsworth suits up as Thor once again. Iman Vellani will also reprise Ms. Marvel and help kick off the experience for guests (via EW).
The ride is scheduled to open in 2028 and will throw visitors straight into an Avengers mission against Thanos. Downey has filmed exclusive footage for the attraction, greeting guests at Avengers Campus and telling them they’re helping prepare the next wave of heroes. He later warns, “They are not ready for Thanos.”
The Iron Man comeback does not stop there. Disney will also open Stark Flight Lab alongside Infinity Defense. That attraction will again feature Downey as Tony Stark, while Mackie returns as Captain America and Brie Larson joins the cast as Captain Marvel. Imagineer Brent Strong described the trio as the guests’ “flight instructors” as riders experience an Avengers-style training mission.
For Downey, the theme-park appearances create an unusual second life for a character whose MCU story appeared finished. Tony Stark sacrificed himself in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, closing the character’s original journey after more than a decade of MCU appearances. Now, Disney is bringing him back in an interactive setting while keeping his biggest cinematic return separate.
Downey will also return to the MCU as Victor von Doom, better known as Doctor Doom, in Avengers: Doomsday. That role gives the actor a very different Marvel challenge, while Infinity Defense lets fans see him once again as the armored Avenger who helped define the franchise.
