Robert Downey Jr. has played numerous roles in a plethora of genres, where he has played some of the most iconic characters ever written. With immense versatility, boyish charm, and a great understanding of when to deliver his lines, he has made the audience a fan of his performance. The Iron Man actor has a monumentally successful career, as he has consistently showcased his versatility and brought depth to his character. Even though he has worked in films such as Sherlock Holmes, Chaplin, Oppenheimer, and many more.
Though he is majorly known for the portrayal of Tony Stark/ Iron Man in the MCU and he was the face of the franchise. But his other iconic role would be from the film Tropic Thunder, where he plays the role of Kirk Lazarus, a Mexican Man. Robert Downey Jr. mesmerized the viewers that he was afraid to play the role and he panicked and called Jamie Foxx because he did not want to hurt the sentiments of the people.
Robert Downey Jr. Distress Called Jamie Foxx For His Role in Tropic Thunder
Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most dedicated actors of this generation, who goes through hard work to embody the role he is playing in a film. His portrayal of Kirk Lazarus in the film was praise-worthy as he fully embodied his character. But what made the viewers and critics praise him was not his ability to play the character but mastering the actions of an Australian trying to act as an African American while tackling the issues of racism and discrimination.
Even though his performance was a 10 out of 10 in the film, he was so worried about playing the role that he called Jamie Foxx to play the role. During an episode of Joe Rogan Experience, Jamie Foxx was present as a guest, where he mentioned how people in the entertainment business are easy targets for people who hate them, and they are someone “who really don’t like with the entertainment.”
The Django Unchained actor recalled asking Robert Downey Jr. to play the Mexican role in the film because some people love to call out the comedian. Initially, he agrees to play the role but later, he texts Foxx how he is nervous to play the role of a Mexican man. However, Jamie Foxx assured RDJ that everything would be all right and nobody would be offended by his portrayal.
“I called Robert, I said, ‘Listen, I need you to play a Mexican.’ He says, ‘Dude, here’s the deal, sure why not? F**k it sure of course, yeah Mexican whatever.’ But then he texts back and said, ‘I’m nervous to play the Mexican.’ I said, ‘Well, sh*t, you played the black dude and you killed that sh*t. We’re just all just you know, we got to be able to care.”
Robert Downey Jr.’s Iconic Role Wasn’t Natural To Him
Among the numerous roles that the Oppenheimer actor has played in his gigantic career, he will always be remembered as Iron Man from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor’s portrayal is not only loved by Marvel fans but also by casual moviegoers. However, during an exclusive interview with The Hindustan Times, he shared that his iconic role gave him a tough time.
“Playing Tony/Iron Man was hard and I dug deep.”
Even though the role was not easy to play, he is ‘fortunate and eternally grateful’ to have had this opportunity. Not only the actor but also the fans would be grateful to see the actor play the role that has been loved universally.
Tropic Thunder can be streamed on Hulu.
Source: Joe Rogan Experience
