Why Robert Downey, Jr.'s Latest Instagram Move Has Twitter Buzzing

Few actors can genuinely claim to have a comeback story as remarkable as Robert Downey, Jr. The actor got his start in the industry at an immensely young age, even earning an Oscar nomination for his work in "Chaplin" before his demons with addiction caught up with him. He turned his life around, and thanks to his role as Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he's gone on to become one of the most beloved and recognizable names in the 21st century. 

Without the undisputed success of "Iron Man," the MCU could've looked exceptionally different today. If "Iron Man" had flopped, there's a good chance the studio wouldn't have moved forward with something as obscure as "Guardians of the Galaxy." Everyone's career who benefitted from the cinematic universe, from Chris Hemsworth to Tom Holland, owes a debt of gratitude to the actor's commitment and resilience. 

He may have ended his tenure in the MCU with "Avengers: Endgame," but to many, Robert Downey, Jr. will always be the godfather of the MCU, which makes his latest social media move all the more confusing. It's a step that's left numerous Marvel fans searching for answers. 

Anyone who goes over to the actor's Instagram account may notice that he only follows 43 accounts, many of which are companies and organizations. Even though he used to follow Chris Evans and Tom Holland (via New York Post), you won't find any Marvel actors on the list now. While it was always assumed the actor's time in the MCU had come to an end after Tony Stark's death in "Endgame," the unfollowing exodus certainly seems to confirm his exit, and it's prompted a massive outcry from fans. 

The reaction on Twitter has been heated, to say the least, although it's worth pointing out he still follows all of his old MCU co-stars on Twitter. Many Marvel stans want answers, especially @pietraromanoff, stating, "I don't know what's happening Mr Stark... WHYYY DID YOUU UNFOLLOW THE MARVEL CAST ON INSTAGRAM?" Other comments that cropped up over social media include, "not robert downey jr unfollowing the marvel cast on instagram" and "ROBERT DOWNEY JR UNFOLLOWED ALL MARVEL CAST MEMBERS ON INSTAGRAM!! WHY????????????"

There are no indications any bad blood developed between the actor and his former co-stars, and it's entirely possible the unfollowing has nothing sinister lurking beneath the surface. Seeing how Downey, Jr. now only follows businesses on Instagram, it's feasible he wants to focus on his own commercial endeavors through that platform while keeping in touch with his friends elsewhere. If anything, the move shows how invested people are in the friendships that have materialized out of the MCU.