Robert Downey Jr. Returns as Iron Man for New Disney Attractions

The expansion at Disney California Adventure will feature two distinct experiences, Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. Rather than relying on archival footage, Downey recorded fresh dialogue and sequences specifically for these rides. He will be joined by Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Brie Larson, and Jeremy Renner, all of whom provided new performances while filming the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday in London.

Avengers Infinity Defense casts guests as recruits in a multiverse-spanning mission to thwart King Thanos, a version of the antagonist who successfully conquered his own reality. The ride utilizes physical sets and large-scale media to transport visitors through Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City. Meanwhile, Stark Flight Lab focuses on the technical side of the superhero world. Participants board two-person gyro-kinetic pods lifted by robotic arms, simulating the flight patterns and training regimens of Iron Man and his fellow Avengers.

These attractions will double the footprint of the existing Avengers Campus. While Downey’s cinematic future lies in the role of Doctor Doom, his participation in these park projects ensures that Tony Stark remains a central figure in the Disney experience. The expansion is slated for a 2028 opening, joining existing staples like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.