Joss Whedon Won’t Do ‘Avengers 2′ Without Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey, Jr.'s contract with Marvel is up, which may make things a little difficult for Joss Whedon when it comes time to film 'The Avengers 2.' And Whedon says he just won't do it without his 'Iron Man.'

In a very interesting interview with The Daily Beast, Joss Whedon talks about his Shakespeare movie 'Much Ado About Nothing,' the need for more female superheroes, and, most importantly, what will happen with 'The Avengers 2' if Robert Downey, Jr. doesn't re-up his contract with Marvel.

It's still not 100% official whether Downey, Jr. will be returning for another 'Iron Man' film or not, but there are more pressing matters -- like Whedon's 'Avengers 2.' When asked what the director will do if Downey, Jr. doesn't make a deal with Marvel, Whedon said:

"He is Iron Man. He is Iron Man in the way that Sean Connery was James Bond. I have no intention of making 'Avengers 2' without him, nor do I think I’ll be called upon to do that. I don’t think it’s in my interest, Marvel’s interest, or his interest, and I think everything will be fine."

We have no doubt that when Joss Whedon says everything will be fine, he means it. There's no way Marvel is going to make this movie without Downey, Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. So while we can't bank on future 'Iron Man' films, we can bank on Whedon's word.