Joss Whedon says he has no intention of making Avengers 2 without Robert Downey Jr.
Downey Jr's future as Iron Man is still uncertain as he fulfilled his contract with the release of Iron Man 3.
It was reported last month that the Oscar nominated actor was in talk to return as Tony Stark in the second Avengers movie.
And while no official announcement has been as to whether he will be on the cast list Whedon believes he won't be asked to make the movie without the actor.
Speaking to The Daily Beast the director 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."
Whedon is penning the screenplay for Avengers 2 and will also return to the director's chair for the film.
It is not yet known which characters will be featuring in the film except it has been revealed that Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver will be involved.
Filming is set to get underway at the beginning of next year for a summer 2015 release.
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