There are many instances when A-list actors compete for coveted roles in iconic films, and such was the case with the seven-time Oscar-winning sci-fi thriller Gravity, which had two heavyweight contenders, Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. Alfonso Cuaron’s 2013 film Gravity follows astronauts Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) fighting for survival in space after they are hit by debris while spacewalking.
Before George Clooney landed the role of Matt Kowalski, makers were hoping to cast one of two Oscar-nominated actors in the film. However, the Hollywood stars were not comfortable with the technique and technology used to film the movie, which led to their withdrawal from the project.
Robert Downey Jr. And Tom Cruise Were in Talks to Star in Gravity
Alfonso Cuaron reportedly wanted to cast a high-profile actor in his movie. And the long list of actors considered for the role of Matt Kowalski in the 2013 sci-fi thriller also included Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr.
In an interview with HuffPost, Cuaron shared that the Dolittle star was initially considered for a role but ultimately left the movie. While he did not star in the film, the makers also considered the Mission Impossible actor to star alongside Sandra Bullock.
Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington were reportedly in talks to star in the movie at a time before George Clooney eventually landed the role. While not much is available on why Cruise and the other A-list stars were not cast in the movie, the Children of Men director has shared why The Avengers star stepped down from the project.
The filmmaker explained that they needed to reprogram the scenes before shooting, which limited the actor’s ability to improvise, something Downey Jr. is known for. As a result, it soon became evident that the technology used in the movie wasn’t the most compatible fit for him.
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Why Robert Downey Jr. Left the Oscar-Winning Movie
Alfonso Cuaron talked about Robert Downey Jr.’s involvement with his Oscar-winning film Gravity in an interview with HuffPost. He also explained that one of the key factors behind his withdrawal was the technology used in the movie. He said,
“Downey was attached. But we just kept on extending the process. And also it was very clear that the technology we were going to use — it was not the most compatible thing for what Robert is the best at.”
Robert Downey Jr. also discussed why he left the 2013 film during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show. He shared that he was called to do a screen test with a “multi-spherical camera.” However, the Oscar-nominated actor was not very comfortable with the whole setting.
“We did it for about twenty minutes, and I said, ‘This is crazy. How much longer?'” he shared before adding, “And they said, ‘It’s like another two to four hours.” Upon learning about the extensive time the test would require, the Sherlock Holmes star exited the screen test and subsequently stepped down from the movie.
Gravity is available on Prime Video.
