Christopher Nolan is a fan-favorite director and Robert Downey Jr. is one of the world’s biggest actors. Thus, fans wanted to see the two worlds collide and when they did – it was nothing short of explosive. The two celebrities worked together for Oppenheimer (2023). The on-screen chemistry translated into genuine admiration and mutual respect off-screen, creating a heartwarming Hollywood bromance.
Hollywood throws around the term bromance like confetti at a red carpet premiere, but only a few duos embody the genuine warmth. Nolan famously called Downey Jr.’s casting as Iron Man one of the most consequential in film history, while Downey is all praise of Nolan’s genius filmmaking. This isn’t just professional courtesy; it’s a full-blown bromantic symphony, leaving the audience wanting more.
Christopher Nolan revealed he always wanted to work with Robert Downey Jr.
In a recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Christopher Nolan expressed his thoughts on the man who was once a Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philantrophist. Speaking with Colbert, Nolan revealed how he had always wanted to work with RDJ and how the actor had so much charisma working as Tony Stark.
“He has this incredible generosity of spirit. It means that when he is in a scene with other people, he’s making sure that they’re all doing their best, that they are all able to bring their best to the table. He’s helping them clarify the connections, all the rest.” Christopher Nolan on Robert Downey Jr.
“So I’ve always wanted to work with him. I’ve always seen that in his work. He has such charisma as Tony Stark. I think him playing Iron Man is one of the most consequential decisions that’s ever been made in the history of movie business. I wanted to give him the oppurtunity to lose himself in a part, lose himself in another human being the way that great actors love to.” Christopher Nolan continued on The Late Show
Nolan’s admiration for Robert Downey Jr. is emotional for their fans. The fandom can not wait to see the two artists work together once again. A Sci-Fi would be more than just a dream collaboration.
Robert Downey Jr. wanted to act as Scarecrow in Christopher Nolan’s Batman
While RDJ and Nolan united for Oppenheimer, they could have done it many years ago. In a recent Q&A session at the American Cinematheque Theatre, Robert Downey Jr. dropped bombshells on his career. In a video posted by X user and film critic Griffin Schiller, RDJ is seen revealing that he met Christopher Nolan before Batman Begins to discuss the role of Scarecrow.
“I’m pretty sure I heard about (this role) and I was like, ‘I’m Scarecrow.’ And then I remember meeting (Christopher) for tea and I was like, ‘He doesn’t seem like he’s really in on this interview.’ And he was polite and all that. But you can tell when someone is kind of like, ‘It’s not going to go anywhere’.” – Robert Downey Jr
Minutes into the discussion, he knew that the conversation was not going anywhere. The role was eventually offered to Cillian Murphy, who would eventually go on to play the role of Oppenheimer as well.
