Robert Downey Jr. has sent his fans into a frenzy after reportedly unfollowing his Marvel co-stars on Instagram.

The actor, 56, recently unfollowed Marvel actors including Tom Holland, 25, and his apparent good friend Chris Evans, 40, which has caused many fans to speculate about what's going on.

He last reprised his role as the superhero Iron Man in the 2019 movie Avengers: Endgame, concluding the Infinity Saga.

The unfollowing comes just days before the release of Scarlett Johansson's first standalone Marvel movie, Black Widow, which is hitting theatres on July 9, per the New York Post.

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Reacting to the unfollowing on Twitter, one Marvel fan tweeted Downey Jr., writing: "I don't know what's happening Mr Stark... WHYYY DID YOUU UNFOLLOW THE MARVEL CAST ON INSTAGRAM? [sic]"

A second added: "rdj why did u unfollow the whole marvel cast OPEN UP I JUST WANNA TALK."

A third wrote: "I was curious about Downey's profile on Instagram and I saw that he unfollowed about 20 people and those people were Marvel actors! Robert Downey Jr are you ok?"

However, while Downey Jr.'s actions on Instagram might have sent his fans into meltdown, he still follows his former co-stars on Twitter, where he has since been active.

Now, some have speculated that the unfollowing wasn't the result of a behind-the-scenes Marvel fallout, but the actions of a new social media manager.

One fan tweeted alongside a broken heart emoji: "I think it's a new social manager or something. And it's turning more into a business thing now. He even changed his header on here."

A second agreed, noting that Downey Jr. no longer followers any other actors, writing: "What is wrong with Robert Downey Jr changing his instagram into business account and unfollowing all his friends [sic]."

Then there was this Twitter user who thinks people should have better things to do than monitor who celebrities are following on social media.

They wrote: "The fact that people are publicly freaking out about Robert Downey Jr. unfollowing MCU people on Instagram, as if that is the end-all be-all determinant of someone's friendship with someone else, is why I don't take humanity seriously, by and large. Come on, people."

What do you think?

Featured image credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy Stock Photo

Stan Lee, the legendary creator of countless Marvel superheroes, including Spiderman, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Black Panther, and the X-Men, has died at the age of 95. For many people, Stan Lee was the face, and the voice, of Marvel comics, and was well known to fans of Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to his many cameos throughout the movies. It was Lee who, in the early sixties, revitalised the ailing superhero genre (which had been dying out as a result of restrictions placed on their content by the Comics Code) with wild and bold new stories about flawed superheroes and interconnected storylines.

Once upon a time, Lee's costumed heroes were confined to the narrow panels and flat pages of comic books; but now his creations have found a new life on the silver screen, and the Hollywood A-listers who portrayed them are now nearly synonymous with their caped alter-egos.

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One of the best examples of this is actor Robert Downey Jr, who portrays the irreverent supergenius Tony Stark in the movies. The 2008 movie Iron Man has been credited with birthing the gigantic Marvel movie franchise (which has continually broken box office records) and resurrecting Downey Jr's career.

As a result of this, RDJ owes something of a debt to Stan Lee, and when he heard the news of his death, he immediately took to social media to post a heartwarming tribute to the granddaddy of the modern comic book industry; posting an image of himself and Stan Lee together, with the caption: "I owe it all to you… Rest In Peace Stan."

Other Hollywood actors have also paid tribute to Lee. Australian actor Hugh Jackman, who famously portrayed Wolverine until he bowed out gracefully in Logan, wrote: "We’ve lost a creative genius. Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I’m proud to have been a small part of his legacy and …. to have helped bring one of his characters to life."

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Mark Ruffalo, who plays Bruce Banner in the MCU, also shared a picture on Instagram and captioned it: "Sad, sad day. Rest In Power Uncle Stan. You have made the world a better place through the power of modern mythology and your love of this messy business of being human… you let us be extra-human … superhuman even. I am deeply honoured to have been a small part in the Stan Lee constellation."

On Twitter, Captain America actor Chris Evans wrote: "There will never be another Stan Lee. For decades he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy. He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so, so, so many lives. Excelsior!"

It's sad that Lee never got to see the grand culmination of Avengers Infinity War: Part II, but he apparently had already filmed his very last cameo before passing peacefully away. His remarkable legacy will endure; for as long as the world still needs heroes.

Earlier the week, the story of a little six-year-old boy went viral after it was revealed that he had put his life on the line in order to save his young sister from a dog attack.

Sharing young his story on Instagram, Bridger Walker's auntie, Nicole, wrote: "Hey, all. Please, share my nephew’s story so that it gets as much exposure as it can. We know that our little hero would love some words of encouragement from his favorite heroes.

"On July 9th, my six-year-old nephew Bridger saved his little sister’s life by standing between her and a charging dog. After getting bit several times on the face and head, he grabbed his sister’s hand and ran with her to keep her safe.

"He later said, 'If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.' After receiving 90 stitches (give or take) from a skilled plastic surgeon, he’s finally resting at home. We love our brave boy and want all the other superheroes to know about this latest hero who joined their ranks."

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The youngster was left with injuries nobody - especially a child - should have to live with, but seeing as Bridger is a huge Avengers fan, his auntie campaigned to get the Marvel stars to send her nephew some words of encouragement.

The young superhero-in-training has already received messages from Avengers stars Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans (who is sending the six-year-old his own Captain America shield), Tom Holland, and Chris Hemsworth.

Now, Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. has sent Bridger a message of his own, which was later shared by his auntie on Instagram.

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In the touching message, Downey says: "Bridger, you're a rockstar. My name's Robert Downey Jr., I play Tony [Stark], that makes me an old friend of Cap's. I heard he sent a shield your way: I'm going to do one better.

"You call me on your next birthday, I got something special for you. Late - By the way, that's a promise; a promise beats a shield."

I can't even imagine what billionaire, playboy, genius, philanthropist Tony Stark has up his sleeve for young Bridger.

However, Nicole did mention in the video caption that "we just celebrated Bridger’s birthday not too long ago, so it will be a while before we find out what the surprise is."

I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.

And let's take a look at what the other Avengers have had to say about Bridger's bravery.

Thor star Chris Hemsworth shared a video with his fans telling them all about Bridger's heroism, praising the six-year-old as "an absolute inspiration".

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Hemsworth added: "Your courage is beyond belief and we are all so impressed by you, and we're thinking of you.

"I know you're an Avengers fan and so myself and all the team, we'd be honored to have you on the team, and we love you and we're sending you our support."

Bridger also received a video call from Tom Holland who plays Spider-Man in the MCU. The call took place on Thursday (July 16), and Holland can be heard telling Bridger: "You are so brave, mate, and we are all so proud of you and your little sister is so lucky to have you."

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Holland then asks Bridger - who is wearing his best Spider-Man costume - what movie he was watching, to which the youngster replies: "Spider-Man: Homecoming."

This causes Holland to joke: "You’re even more of a hero now!"

Holland then invites Bridger to visit the set of the third installment of this Spider-Man series, telling the six-year-old: "You’ll always be my guest."

Chris Evans - aka Steve Rogers/Captain America - also sent a heartwarming video message to the young boy.

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In the video, the 39-year-old actor says: "This is a message for Bridger. Hey Bridger, Captain America here, how you doing buddy? So, I read your story and saw what you did. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of this over the last couple of days, but pal, you’re a hero.

"What you did was so brave and so selfless, your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you. I’m going to track down your address and send you an authentic Captain America shield because, pal, you deserve it."

The Avengers star added: "Keep being the man you are, we need people like you. Hang in there, I know recovery might be tough, but based on what I’ve seen, I don’t think there is much that can slow you down. Bye buddy."

But the first Avenger to send his support to Bridger was Mark Ruffalo, who plays The Incredible Hulk in the MCU (except that one movie that we don't talk about.)

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Commenting on Nicole's original post, Ruffalo wrote: "Dear Bridger, I just read about what happened to you and I wanted to reach out to say this… People who put the well beings of others in front of themselves are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know.

"I truly respect and admire your courage and your heart. Real courage isn't dominating people or fighting against people or walking around like a tough guy. Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow."

"You are more of man than many, many I have seen or known. With Admiration… Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk/Professor)."

That's right, this kid is literally friends with FIVE Avengers!

Robert Downey Jr has paid tribute to his "true maverick" filmmaker father after his death at the of 85 earlier this week.

The 56-year-old MCU star took to Instagram in an emotional post made on Wednesday, July 7, uploading a black and white image of his late father.

Downey Jr captioned the post:

"Last night, dad passed peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinson's.

"He was a true maverick filmmaker and remained remarkably optimistic throughout... According to my stepmom's calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years.

"Rosemary Rogers-Downey, you are a saint, and our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Credit: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy

The filmmaker, best known for projects such as Babo 73, Putney Swope, Greaser's Palace, and Too Much Sun, had been battling Parkinson's for over five years prior to his passing.

He also starred as an actor in movies such as Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and To Live and Die in LA, and directed a number of episodes of popular TV series such as Sticks and Bones and The Twilight Zone.

Downey Sr reportedly had a complicated relationship with his son and seemed to profess the belief that he was in some way responsible for the Iron Man lead's later issues with addiction.

Per a 2008 article by The Guardian, Downey Sr recalled that he had once jokingly passed his son a joint when he was just six years old.

The director stated: "I go, 'You ought to try a little of this instead of drinking.' I passed him a joint. And suddenly I knew I had made a terrible, stupid mistake ... giving a little kid a toke of grass just to be funny."

Per Salon, in a 1988 interview for the book The New Breed, Downey Jr claimed that substance abuse was something he and his dad actually engaged in as a form of bonding.

He stated: "When my dad and I would do drugs together, it was like him trying to express his love for me in the only way he knew how."

In addition to his son, Downey Sr is survived by his daughter Allyson Downey, and his spouse, author Rosemary Rogers.

Our thoughts are with Downey Sr's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Paul Bird

Paul Rudd did what he does best and put a smile on fellow Avenger Jeremy Renner's face following the actor's nearly fatal accident with a snowplow.

Renner, 52, was rushed to the hospital on New Year's Day after stopping the seven-ton piece of machinery from hitting his nephew while they were clearing snow around the actor's Nevada home, per a sheriff's report.

Fans were left concerned for the Marvel star as he was reported to be in a "critical but stable" condition following the accident on New Year's Day, with the actor later revealing that he had broken more than 30 bones in his body.

Renner recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live where he spoke about the accident and his time in the hospital - including how one specific person kept visiting him.

Rudd is an Avenger alongside Renner, and it seems like the pair are a strong team even off the screen as the 52-year-old explained how the Ant-Man actor would come to his bedside and cheer him up by being his classic hilarious self.

Check out Rudd's message to Renner:

To put a further smile on his friend's face, Rudd took to the popular video platform Cameo, where people can pay their favorite celebrities for a personal video message.

The Hawkeye actor shared the hilarious video with the audience, with Rudd acting as though his friend were a fan of his.

"Hey Jerry," Rudd began. "I hear you’re a little banged up. Got in a fight with a snowblower apparently? Anyway, I just wanted to send this video. It’s really from the heart and [I] hope you’re feeling better. Sounds like you are ― apparently you’re a pretty tough guy. Maybe I’ll get to meet you someday."

Rudd continued: "In the meantime, take care, take it easy for a while," before offering the advice: "Maybe next time just let the snow melt. Feel better, Jerry."

It's safe to say that Renner saw the funny side of it, and it was presumably a much-needed bit of laughter in the midst of a traumatic event.

Speaking to Radar Online, a source close to Renner told the outlet that his injuries are "much worse than anyone knows" and that the actor is "very aware of the fact that he almost died out there."

"The right side of Jeremy’s chest was crushed, and his upper torso had collapsed. He also had a bad head wound that was bleeding and a leg injury," they continued. "He knew he was in bad shape and that he might not make it out of this."

TMZ reported that Renner continues to make a miraculous recovery as he was spotted taking his family to Six Flags on Good Friday (April 7), where he navigated the park with a mobility scooter.

When heading into the studio where Jimmy Kimmel Live is filmed, the 52-year-old was spotted walking with the aid of a cane - a clear indication that he is on the mend.

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