'Avengers: Infinity War' release date, latest news: Robert Downey Jr. hints 'matured' Tony Stark in 'Avengers 3'

When "Iron Man" was released in 2008, Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr. was catapulted into becoming the primary face of Marvel Studios, and he became the icon of a lucrative superhero film franchise.

Since then, Downey Jr. has appeared as Tony Stark and his superhero counterpart in three "Iron Man" movies, two "Avengers" films, one "Captain America" movie, and one Hulk movie. The Holywood actor will also be making an appearance in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" when the movie is released this summer. He is then set to return as one of the key players in the upcoming third "Avengers" film, "Avengers: Infinity War."

The legacy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is expected to culminate in 2018's "Avengers: Infinity War." With its launch next year, fans and the audience will also get to see the culmination of Tony Stark's ever-dynamic character.

In a recent live video Q&A on his official Facebook page where he revealed several secrets about the upcoming "Avengers" movie, Downey, Jr. was asked what has changed the most about playing Tony Stark since the first "Iron Man" movie.

"Well, I guess he's matured a little bit," Downey answered. "I think what's changed is the universe around him, honestly, if you think about it. There's so many offshoots now. Peter Parker's in the mix. The [Guardians of the Galaxy] are on fire," he went on to say

A detailed information about Tony Stark's role in "Avenger's: Infinity War" has not yet been revealed. However, according to Movie Web, he will be facing off with Thanos at some point in the film in a fight over the Infinity Gauntlet. Some speculate that the billionaire superhero will die at the hands of Thanos and that a different character will be introduced as the new Iron Man in Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Although these speculations are not yet confirmed, what is certain is that Downey Jr. will be making an appearance, not only in "Avengers 3," but also in "Avengers 4." Should the character really pass away, it may not happen in the forthcoming "Avengers" movie yet.

"Avengers: Infinity War" is scheduled to premiere on May 4, 2018.