Fans have been clamoring for news of the next installment of the "Iron Man" franchise, wanting to know if the rumors of a possible "Iron Man 4" are true. However, during a recent interview, Robert Downey Jr. had stated that there would not be a fourth installment, BreatheCast reports.

This might come off as hard to believe for fans because the actor had just extended his contract with Marvel Studios, where reportedly he will be receiving the highest salary of the bunch, said to be about $50 million. Forbes has also recently named him as the highest paid actor.

"Iron Man" fans will have to wait for the release of "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" and later on see him again in the third "Avengers" movie, where the actor is confirmed to appear.

His high salary may be one of the reasons why there is no talk of a fourth installment for a hit franchise such as "Iron Man." Or it may have to do with the actor's age. If ever there is an "Iron Man 4," the likely release date of the movie will be in 2018, by which time Robert Downey Jr. will be in his 50s. It's also possible that there will actually be an "Iron Man 4" but that Robert Downey Jr. will not be wearing the Iron Man suit in the installment.

A plot involving a younger mentor would fit in nicely with the actor's age, since he will be able to just wear a three-piece suit and mentor someone much younger. Passing his knowledge and strengths onto an apprentice would suit him and his character just fine.

Many of these rumors have come from Cinema Blend, which has been creating several theories on how Tony Stark's story ends and a new beginning will dawn. For sure, the "Iron Man" franchise could continue for several more years, but the reins held by Tony Stark will have to eventually be passed to someone younger, stronger, fitter and possibly more intelligent than him.