IN PHOTO: Cast member Robert Downey Jr. attends a news conference promoting the film "The Judge" at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) September 5, 2014.
Cast member Robert Downey Jr. attends a news conference promoting the film "The Judge" at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) September 5, 2014. REUTERS/Fred Thornhill

Marvel Studios is yet to officially announce "Iron Man 4." However, rumours and speculations about the movie are already running rampant. According to a latest report, the fourth instalment of the "Iron Man" may see a major casting switch. The buzz is a 13-year-old actor might replace Robert Downey Jr. in his titular superhero role for the movie expected to be released after "Avengers Infinity War Part 2."

Citing the report published on Bam Smack Pow, Movie Pilot is reporting that the "Jurassic World" actor TY Simpkins will replace Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man 4." He is the actor who played the role of Harley Keener in "Iron Man 3." The website speculates that maybe Tony [Stark] "will hand off the identity to him" or "maybe Marvel will just cast Simpkins as a younger Tony [Stark]."

"Iron Man 4" casting rumours have been making the rounds for quite some time. However, in the absence of official comments by the associated persons and studio, the reports remain unconfirmed. Thus it is advised to consider it a mere rumour. But if the rumours stand true, TY Simpkins will be 18 by the time he replaces 50-something Robert Downey Jr.

For those unfamiliar, TY Simpkins is not really a fresh face. The actor has already appeared in some big films besides "Iron Man 3." Some of the young actor's notable works include "Pride and Glory," Revolutionary Road" and "Insidious" and "Insidious: Chapter 2." It must be noted that TY Simpkins' work in "Iron Man 3" earned him a nomination for Best Performance by Young Actor at the prestigious Saturn Awards.

As for Robert Downey Jr., the rumours about his replacement in the fourth instalment of the franchise, started to surface in the year 2014. The actor's original contract with Marvel Studio ended with "Iron Man 3." Later, however, it was renewed for two more movies "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Captain America: Civil War." Meanwhile, the rumour claims that "Iron Man 4" will hit the theatres in 2019 and see the beginning of Marvel's Phase Four. But it remains to be seen if Robert Downey Jr. will reprise the role of Iron Man or will be replaced by a younger actor. What do you think?

For questions/comments regarding the article, you may e-mail the writer atj.kaur@IBTimes.com.au.