Robert Downey Jr. may have said “no” to reprising his role of Tony Stark for Deadpool & Wolverine because he’s playing Doctor Doom in two upcoming Avengers sequels. But in a surprise announcement at D23 last night (August 10), it turns out RDJ will indeed play Tony Stark again… For a theme park ride.
Called Stark Flight Lab, the new ride is part of a planned expansion of the Avengers Campus area of California Adventure in Disneyland. Per the official Disney Parks Blog:
“If you’re up for another mission, Tony Stark has one for you. And you know Tony, he always wants to try something new and exciting, and it’s going to make you feel like a Super Hero yourself. With the just announced Stark Flight Lab, you’re going to sit in two-person pods and deploy to a test station. Then a robot arm grabs your pod and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight.
And, a familiar face will join you at the Stark Flight Lab — Mr. Stark himself. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark for the attractions in the land.”
The D23 panel was light on details. But it did show off Downey Jr. riding in a test version of the pod with Disney CEO Bob Iger! Which sounds very fun for them.
The other ride being added to California Adventure is called Avengers Infinity Defense. Here’s the official description:
“Get ready for a multi-world adventure experience with Avengers Infinity Defense. Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big, and small, heroes. You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too.”
King Thanos, if you’re confused, is a version of Josh Brolin’s character with a bushy beard and a crown, who comes from a dimension where the baddie took over the universe. Seems at odds with his whole “eliminate half of all sentient life and retire” thing but I guess we’ll have to ride the ride and find out what’s up.
[Cut to me riding Avengers Infinity Defense and everyone telling me to shut it because I keep asking the animatronic King Thanos “What’s up?”]
Other characters teased in concept art for Infinity Defense include Ant-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, and Black Panther (Shuri, not T’Challa). No word on whether any of the other actors will reprise their roles for this one. But I’d imagine they’re backing up the money truck to Brolin’s house right now.
Meanwhile, Shanghai Disney Resort will be getting a Spider-Man ride, described as a “high-energy thrill coaster.” And Hong Kong Disneyland will be getting a different Spider-Man “attraction” in Tomorrowland, “featuring Spider-Man and one of his most formidable villains.” No names for the ride/experience were shared at this time.
Construction on the expansion of Avengers Campus in California will begin next year.
