'Iron Man 4' is and isn't happening, says Robert Downey Jr.

Speculation builds around Robert Downey Jr.'s role in future "Iron Man" instalments after conflicting quotes emerge from US talk shows.

The Iron Man character will continue to appear in Marvel's film franchise but may not get another solo film for a while.

That's the conclusion drawn from apparently contradictory statements that Robert Downey Jr. gave on Tuesday, October 8.

Appearing on "The Ellen Show," Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. was asked if there would be a fourth "Iron Man" movie.

"I know there's gonna be a bunch of Marvel movies and they have big ideas of how to do it best, and we're in the middle of negotiation."

"So yes?" continued Ellen DeGeneres. "Okay, yes," he smiled.

But only a few hours later, he popped up again on "The Late Show with David Letterman," where he said, "There's no plans for an 'Iron Man 4' ... there's no script for 'Iron Man 4' but they do have a plan and I think they're gonna announce -- they're very secretive about it, Marvel."

"There'll be other stuff," he offered.

"Are you gonna make another one of those 'Iron Man' movies?" probed Letterman.

"Just between us, no. But I'm gonna do other stuff with Marvel. I'm still gonna be involved with Marvel and there's plenty of fun stuff to happen."

How Iron Man factors in to future Marvel movies remains to be seen, with May 2015's "Avengers: Age of Ultron" providing a timely opportunity for Robert Downey Jr. to introduce a new cast of characters, if that's what is to happen; meanwhile, the New York Comic Con runs October 9-12 and could see Marvel clarify its plans with further announcements.