Robert Downey Jr. has done a lot of projects other than playing Iron Man in the MCU. But it can’t be denied that the actor is known globally for playing Tony Stark/ Iron Man more than any other character.
However, not many know that once upon a time, the actor who began the MCU was actually not even in talks to play Iron Man. Instead, he was being considered to play Dr. Doom. So, can the star still play the villain of the Fantastic Four in the future?
Iron Man Director Reveals Robert Downey Jr. Was In Talks To Play Dr. Doom
To celebrate Iron Man’s 15th anniversary, MCU boss Kevin Feige and the director of the film, Jon Favreau, sat down to discuss the movie in a new video. During their chat, Favreau revealed a surprising thing. He said that they had met Robert Downey Jr. first for the role of Dr. Doom. Feige nodded in acknowledgment as well. Here’s what the director said:
“I remember that Robert had come in for a general on it and I remember you had all met with him already for like Dr. Doom or something on another project… I think he had come through on… like Fantastic Four… So everybody sort of knew who he was and I remember sitting down with the guy and I was like geez he just got… that spark in him and his eye, and he’s ready. And that’s when we were in your (Kevin Feige) office and we were pointing to his headshot and saying we got to try to figure this out.”
It’s assumed that the Fantastic Four project mentioned here is the 2005 film starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, and more in key roles. Obviously, Downey Jr. didn’t get the role of Dr. Doom in the film as it went to Julian McMahon. But many will agree that it was a blessing in disguise because Downey Jr. as Iron Man is one of the greatest Hollywood castings of all time.
Even Feige admitted that “I think that’s probably one of the greatest decisions in the history of Hollywood… We wouldn’t have a studio if it wasn’t for him or [Jon Favreau].” But will we see Downey Jr. put on his iconic suit in the Marvel universe again?
Will We See Robert Downey Jr. In The MCU Again?
After Avengers: Endgame, fans have been clamoring to see Robert Downey Jr. in the MCU again. It doesn’t seem like he will play Dr. Doom anytime soon, but he can hopefully return as Iron Man. There are rumors that the actor will return for the Ironheart Disney+ show in hologram or AI form. At the very least, some expect there to be flashbacks of Tony Stark at MIT. If not in Ironheart, fans hope to see him in the Armor Wars project starring Don Cheadle as War Machine.
But the big film where MCU worshippers want to see Iron Man is Avengers: Secret Wars. It has been speculated for a long time that it will bring in various Marvel heroes from across the multiverse. As such, there’s a chance that Robert Downey Jr.’s hero will make a return to rapturous cheers in the theaters. While nothing has been announced till now, hopes remain eternal.
Source: YouTube
