How Robert Downey Jr nearly missed the Iron Man role

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LOS ANGELES, Dec 4, (Agencies): Despite ultimately becoming an iconic figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the casting of Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man was nearly a missed opportunity. At the age of 58, the actor and those intimately involved with the decision shed light on how close the world came to not witnessing Downey Jr don the mantle of the “billionaire playboy philanthropist.”

Marvel chief Kevin Feige revealed that studio executives were initially reluctant to entrust Downey Jr, perceived by many as a reformed loose cannon, with the responsibility of leading a franchise set for years of cinematic adventures. Feige recounted, “It purely came down to the Marvel board being nervous about placing all their bets on someone with a history of legal troubles. I wasn’t very good—and I’m still not great—at taking no for an answer. But I also don’t pound my chest to get my way. I try to find ways to make it clear to others why we should head in a certain direction. That’s when the idea of a screen test came up.”

Fortunately, the Oscar-nominated actor found advocates in Kevin Feige and Iron Man director Jon Favreau, who passionately lobbied to have Downey Jr undergo a screen test for the pivotal role. The test proved successful, marking a turning point in cinematic history.

Following the success of Favreau and Downey Jr’s collaboration, which kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor earned a reputation as a team player among his co-stars and colleagues. In 2013, during contract negotiations for the first Avengers film, Downey Jr used his influence to secure higher pay for his fellow cast members.

Throughout his tenure in the MCU, the actor made nine film appearances, portraying the beloved character Tony Stark, who ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice in “Avengers: Endgame.”

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