All those cryptic Robert Downey Jr. remarks about working more with Marvel? They were about Captain America 3.
Robert Downey Jr. will play Tony Stark in Captain America 3, in a story that will be loosely based on Marvel's Civil War event storyling from 2006. So, in other words, if you thought Batman v. Supermanwas a battle for the ages, Marvel is ready to take it up a notch by marrying their biggest, most bankable star to the ascendant Captain America franchise. Captain America vs. Iron Man, it is.
For those unfamiliar, Civil Warwas the tale of what happened when Tony Stark decided it would be best for everyone if superheroes registered with the government. Captain America disagreed. You can probably guess the rest from the title.
Those expecting a more direct continuation of The Winter Soldier storyline (and its ultimate consequences) won't be disappointed, as the events of Civil War helped allow all of that to happen. However, it's still not 100% clear if this will indeed be Captain America: Civil War, (and essentially necessitating that this film function as Avengers 2.5) or if Stark's involvement will be something on a smaller scale. Varietyseems to think so, though. However, the whole "state vs. civil liberties" theme was explored quite nicely in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, so even a "Civil War" that isn't as shattering as the comic version would fit fairly well within the arc already established in that film.
With that in mind, it would appear that the rather direct path we were all envisioning from the end of the first Avengersfilm to an ultimate Infinity Gauntlet style battle with Thanos in Avengers 3 may not be the direct route that Marvel are taking after all. However, at this stage of the game, it's best not to get too caught up in speculation. All you need to know is that Marvel have just laid some serious cards on the table, and are perfectly willing to stare down Warner Bros in the summer of 2016 and beyond. So, stop worrying about Avengers 3...Marvel are already thinking about Avengers 4.
That same Varietyreport also indicates that whatever the initial vision for Captain America 3 was, it's been tweaked in order to accomodate more Tony Stark (if not Iron Man), and to keep him involved in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the foreseeable future. It does appear, though, that something exploring the Civil Warthemes in some capacity was always in the cards. Regardless, Captain America: The Winter Soldier writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely are back, along with Joe and Anthony Russo directing.
Incidentally, Badass Digest are indicating that the Russo Brothers may be in line to direct Avengers 3 and Avengers 4, that's how crucial Captain America 3 is to the entire plan. There are some other potential spoilers at that link, so beware.
Earlier today, Marvel teased that they would revisit Civil War in the comics in the Summer of 2015. How these two developments are connnected is unclear beyond Marvel's general ability to get fans' blood rushing in the months (and years) before a major movie event.
Captain America 3 opens on May 6th, 2016.
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