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Credit: Marvel StudiosNo character is safe from a recast at the Marvel corporation.
Robert Downey Jr. helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the global phenomenon it is today with his unforgettable turn as Tony Stark in Jon Favreau’s Iron Man (2008). Over a decade later, the character remains one of Marvel Studios’ most iconic, even after his emotional farewell in Avengers: Endgame (2019).
As the MCU transitioned into new territory post-Endgame, characters like Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange and Anthony Mackie’s Captain America became more prominent. But even with new heroes emerging, Iron Man isn’t entirely in the rearview. The character returned in animated form through Marvel’s What If…?and in the Spidey & His Amazing Friends preschool series.
Downey Jr.’s portrayal of the billionaire genius and armored Avenger became synonymous with the MCU’s success. Over the course of three solo films, four Avengers blockbusters, and appearances in ensemble features like Captain America: Civil War (2016) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Stark evolved from a self-centered weapons designer to a self-sacrificing hero. His mentorship of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker only deepened fans’ connection to the character—and made his final stand in Endgame one of the franchise’s most heartbreaking moments.
Still, Iron Man’s story didn’t end there. The animated anthology What If…? explored alternate versions of well-known characters, including several Iron Man variants. While Downey Jr. didn’t reprise his role, veteran voice actor Mick Wingert took over vocal duties. The show also featured characters like Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Captain Marvel (Alexandra Daniels), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Steve Rogers (Josh Keaton).
Iron Man Recast With John Stamos
In 2022, Marvel’s younger-skewing animated series Spidey & His Amazing Friends debuted its second season. The series, which showcases Peter Parker alongside Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy, introduced Iron Man to the mix for its sophomore season. John Stamos, known for roles in General Hospital, Full House, and more recently Big Shot, voiced the iconic hero.
Speaking to ScreenRant at the time, Stamos opened up about the unique challenge of voicing a character so deeply tied to Downey Jr.’s legacy—and finding the right tone for a show aimed at younger audiences.
“I kind of came in thinking, ‘I’ll do something like Robert.’ And they’re like, ‘Don’t do that. Don’t do that,’” Stamos shared. “It was interesting, because they’re all kids! I’m coming in as a mentor, for sure, but also kind of the adult character. So, it took me a minute, but I think I found my version.”
He added, “I wanted him to be acerbic like he is; I wanted him to be the smartest guy in the room. And we get that across. I don’t know how much they used, but I throw in a lot of nicknames and stuff like that. Sometimes I’ll do stuff, and they’re like, ‘John, remember this is for three-year-olds, four-year-olds.’ Nothing dirty, but just maybe something a little more sophisticated.”
Now, three years on, John Stamos is returning to the world of superheroes as another iconic Stark character.
John Stamos Cast as Howard Stark
Set to premiere on August 11 on Disney Jr., Iron Man and His Awesome Friends sees the tech-superstar reimagined for a younger audience.
“Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends follows the adventures (and misadventures) of best friends and super geniuses — Tony Stark (Iron Man), Riri Williams (Ironheart) and Amadeus Cho (Iron Hulk)— as they work together to solve problems, both big and small, and protect their city,” Deadline wrote about the upcoming series.
“In order to help them save the day, the Iron Friends each have their own Iron Suits that allow them to fly and give them enhanced super-strength,” the outlet added.
Alongside characters like Tony Stark and Ironheart, the new show will also feature Howard Stark. Tony’s father has previously appeared in various circumstances in the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe
In the MCU, Howard Stark stands as a foundational figure whose influence echoes across decades of storytelling. Played by both Dominic Cooper and John Slattery, Stark is depicted as a genius inventor, co-founder of S.H.I.E.L.D., and creator of early tech like Captain America’s shield.
From developing the Super Soldier Serum during World War II to leaving behind vital research that helped Tony evolve as Iron Man, Howard’s presence is felt long after his tragic assassination by the Winter Soldier in 1991. Though often shown as distant and enigmatic, his legacy—and complicated relationship with Tony—remains a key thread throughout the Infinity Saga.
Now, after iterations played by Cooper and Slattery, John Stamos will take on the role.
“John Stamos is returning to the Iron Man universe. Stamos, who voiced the role of Iron Man (AKA Tony Stark) in the hit series Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, will take on the voice of Tony’s father, Howard Stark, in Marvel’s new preschool series Iron Man and His Awesome Friends,” Deadline reported.
Multiverse Means No Character Is Safe From a Recast
In the age of the Multiverse, audiences have grown used to seeing multiple interpretations of familiar characters. From Loki to Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness—despite Tom Cruise not making the fan-theorized Iron Man appearance—Marvel continues to explore alternate takes.
Last year, the biggest recast was revealed, as Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. was confirmed to star as Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom in the MCU.
Will Stamos eventually transition into live-action as one of the Starks he has portrayed in animation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.