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While Marvel fans have been eagerly speculating about Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his latest announcement comes in a completely unexpected form.
The actor – who redefined modern superhero films as Iron Man in the MCU – isn’t just making his return in the anticipated role of Doctor Doom, but as Tony Stark himself through the cutting-edge Stark Flight Lab attraction at Disney California Adventure Park’s Avengers Campus.
Credit: Disney
This new ride features state-of-the-art storytelling and technology that will let guests join the legendary Iron Man on a thrilling adventure.
A Surprise Iron Man Appearance at SXSW Panel
Downey’s surprise announcement came during the Future of World-Building at Disney panel at the SXSW festival, where Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Walt Disney Imagineering President Bruce Vaughn presented new details on the attraction. The audience erupted in applause as Downey, dressed similarly to Tony Stark himself in a sharp suit and glasses, made a surprise appearance.
Downey spoke about the honor of contributing to the ride, saying, “The curiosity, the passion, the inventiveness, the occasional flair for the dramatic — most of all a drive to put something good out into the world to make life better, at the minimum more fun by a mile. It’s the privilege of a lifetime to be invited to participate.”
Credit: Disney
Groundbreaking Technology in Stark Flight Lab
The Stark Flight Lab attraction promises an innovative experience, featuring “gyro-kinetic pods” that roll along a track before transferring to a robot arm, lifting guests into the air for high-speed maneuvers inspired by Iron Man and other Avengers.
“Transferring from a track to a robot arm and then back again — nothing like this has ever been done before in a theme park,” Vaughn explained. “Usually, we hide all the tech behind the scenes so you can focus on the story. Here, the tech IS the story, so we’re putting it front and center.”
The attraction will also feature Downey’s beloved robotic assistant, DUM-E, who was incorporated into the ride after Downey remarked on how much the ride’s robot arm resembled the character. Using motion capture and dancers, Imagineering has brought DUM-E to life, ensuring the robot captures the personality fans know and love from the Iron Man films.
Credit: Marvel Studios
Expanding the Marvel Universe at Disneyland
As for what’s next for Avengers Campus, Downey was clear that this project isn’t a one-off. “Even after we finish with the Flight Lab, I want to stay with you all for the long haul,” Downey declared, sending the audience into a frenzy. “This isn’t a one-time deal. You need more me.”
It seems Marvel fans will see plenty more of Downey’s Tony Stark in the future, but for now, this is just the beginning.
Credit: Disney
While Stark Flight Lab is certainly one of the most exciting additions to Avengers Campus, it won’t be the only new attraction at Disneyland’s California Adventure. Disney is also expanding the land, which currently includes popular rides like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.
The expansion will introduce Avengers: Infinity Defense, an immersive experience where guests will jump between universes to stop the villainous King Thanos. Along the way, they will visit iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City, and encounter Marvel superheroes such as Iron Man, Ant-Man, The Hulk, and Black Panther.
How do you feel about the expansion of Avengers Campus?
