The prospect of an "Iron Man 4" seems bleak. As early as two years ago, Robert Downey Jr. who plays Tony Stark in the hit franchise already shot down speculations of a fourth "Iron Man" movie.

According to Downey Jr., there is not one in the pipeline nor any plans for a fourth "Iron Man," Variety reported. The last contract he signed was an extension that confirmed his appearance in "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Avengers 3."

Undoubtedly, "Iron Man" has established the foundation that made Marvel Cinematic Universe a huge success. "Avengers 3" or the two-part "Avengers: Infinity Wars," which is expected to be released in 2018 and 2019 respectively, is the last two features where Downey Jr. will appear as "Iron Man."

If there is a possibility for a fourth "Iron Man" movie, it can enter into production immediately after the "Avengers" films are done with production. However, even if production for "Iron Man 4" pushes through, it will not be released until 2020 or beyond.

Another point to consider is that Downey Jr. might turn down the role if production takes that long. The actor will be 55-years-old by 2020 and the role might already be too physically demanding for him. Another factor to consider should he accept the role is his ever-escalating fees.

Reportedly, Downey was paid over $40 million for appearing in "Captain America: Civil War." For "Iron Man 3," he received a salary of $50 million, and his biggest take to date is from "Avengers: Age of Ultron" where he reportedly took home $80 million.

It might not be a tall order to expect that Marvel Studios will bite another salary increase for Downey Jr. should he decide to do "Iron Man 4," since "Iron Man" franchise gave Marvel Cinematic Universe its biggest blockbusters. His $50 million salaries for "Iron Man 3" is all worth it considering the movie alone earned over $1 billion globally, and the three "Iron Man" films combined earned over $2 billion, according to The Mirror.

Fans at this point will just have to wait if Marvel Studios decides to make an "Iron Man 4" or if Downey Jr. would be willing to don the "Iron Man" armor one more time.