Marvel is planning to release "Iron Man 4" without Robert Downey Jr. playing the lead role, Master Herald reported.

"Iron Man 4" is in the planning stage but Marvel is reportedly planning to replace Robert Downey Jr. as the lead character. Since the sequel will open in 2019, Downey will be supposedly too old for the role.

Downey has revealed that he is willing to give up the armored suit anytime soon.  The actor has even said that a younger man can take it from him.

13-year-old Ty Simpkins who played Tony Star's sidekick in "Iron Man 3" will reportedly replace Downey.  By 2019, Simpkins will be 17 and would be a viable replacement.

Simpkins was able to match Downey's wit and charm while portraying the role in the movie.  The young actor also has a three-picture contract with Marvel, which means that he will be able to star in future films by the company, JBG reported.

However, fans of Downey need not to fret. The Hollywood star has revealed that he is willing to do another "Iron Man" film as long as he works with the right people. Downey even wants Mel Gibson to direct it. The actor has shared his admiration for Gibson and the possibility of getting him for the next project, according to Screen Rant.

"Unless you are without sin - and if you are, you are in the wrong fucking industry, you should forgive him and let him work... This is my fuckin' time. Mel and I have the same lawyer, same publicist and same shrink. I couldn't get hired and he cast me. He said if I accepted responsibility - he called it hugging the cactus - long enough, my life would take meaning. And if he helped me, I would help the next guy. But it was not reasonable to assume the next guy would be him."

As of this time, Marvel will not focus on "Iron Man" sequel since the company has a full plate with "Thor 3," "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" and "Ant Man."