Robert Downey Jr. signed a deal with Marvel Studios to appear in "The Avengers 2" and "The Avengers 3" as Iron Man and his alter-ego, the billionaire philanthropist Tony Stark. Downey will probably not return in "Iron Man 4" but this doesn't mean it's the end of the franchise.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige told Entertainment Weekly that they hoped to continue working with Downey, whose interpretation of Tony Stark helped launch its multi-billion-dollar film franchise. "Avengers" was also a hit, and received $1.5 billion.

Feige also indicated that "Iron Man" was bigger than any one actor, Entertainment Weekly reports.

"I believe there will be a fourth "Iron Man" film and a fifth and a sixth and a 10th and a 20th," the producer said. "I see no reason why Tony Stark can't be as evergreen as James Bond. Or Batman for that matter. Or Spider-Man. I think Iron Man is a character just like that."

Marvel has not released any further information about the "Avengers" deal. However, Downey confirmed in the April issue of GQ magazine that he was paid $50 million for the first "Avengers" movie. He will be 50 years old when "Avengers 2" comes out, USA Today reports.

This doesn't mean Downey isn't enthusiastic about the upcoming films.

"I'd go start another one tomorrow, but it's not tomorrow," Downey told Entertainment Weekly when Iron Man 3was debuting. "And there are a lot of other considerations. But I also don't like the idea of leaving people hanging or leaving people in the lurch."

"The Avengers 2" will begin shooting in March 2014 with a debut in theaters set for May 1, 2015.