'Iron Man 4' release date, spoilers, updates: Is Robert Downey Jr. turning down the role?

Although production for "Iron Man 4" hasn't started, it is already one of the most awaited Marvel films. There has been a bit of controversy surrounding the film since news outlets previously suggested that Robert Downey Jr. who portrays the billionaire playboy philanthropist Tony Stark aka Iron Man might be replaced by a new female lead.

The speculations started when RDJ shared a photo of a female lead, Riri Williams, on Twitter. Previous reports actually mistook the new comic book version of "Invincible Iron Man" as concept art for the forthcoming installment of the franchise.

The comic book introduces 15-year-old Williams as the new "Iron Man." Like Stark, she is a prodigy. At a very young age, she proved that she is just as good as an inventor as Stark.

As previously reported, Stark would eventually become like a mentor to Williams. When she studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she begins to develop her own suit. In the process, she steals equipment around the campus. When campus security attempts to catch her, Williams steps into her prototype. Stark hears about her skills and he takes her under his wing to train her to become the next superhero.

On the other hand, the rumor mill has churned speculations suggesting that the forthcoming film might not even happen. Sources said that the actor's fee has skyrocketed through the years. The actor and Marvel Studios apparently haven't settled on his fee.

Reports claimed that RDJ intends to have a raise in the upcoming film. Until the studio agrees to his demand, the actor will reportedly turn down the role.

Marvel hasn't announced or confirmed the recent speculations about the film. Hence, fans should treat the latest reports as speculation until proven otherwise.

The fourth installment of "Iron Man" will reportedly launch in 2020.