Robert Downey Jr. is one of the biggest stars of our generation, one of the greatest actors of all time, given one of the greatest superhero portrayals, and is now slated to play one of the greatest superhero villains in Marvel comics. The previous statement would seem absolutely crazy if we were talking about any other actor but everything immediately falls into place and makes perfect sense knowing it is RDJ we are talking about.
Slated to play Doctor Doom, we’ll be honest that we all have doubts about how successful his second run in the MCU will be. While Downey is worried, he seems to already have a backup plan of ‘remaking’ a classic if everything goes down the ditch.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Backup Plan if His Doctor Doom Run Fails
Robert Downey Jr.‘s personal and professional life alone deserves to get a film made, for such has been his career trajectory. Starting as a child actor to becoming an Oscar-nominated actor at the age of 27, then falling down the pit of negative public opinion due to his addiction problem, and later going on to literally kickstart the Marvel Cinematic Universe and winning his first Oscar with Oppenheimer, RDJ undeniably deserves the same level of love and recognition he has today.
But even the greatest actors of all time have backup plans, or at least Downey has one given he is gearing up to play another Marvel role, just as integral and vital as his Iron Man. Now the villainous Victor Von Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey in a recent appearance on THR’s Awards Chatter podcast revealed how his Doctor Doom casting came about.
While explaining all the behind-the-scenes details and what eventually prompted him to say yes, he stated,
And if that all goes to shit, will just, remake what many people say is the greatest, film of all time.
Downey said about producing and starring in a big-screen remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 classic, Vertigo. Widely described as one of the greatest movies of all time, it will not be an easy feat remaking a classic as iconic as Vertigo. Given his last attempt at ‘remakes’, the disastrous 2020’s Dolittle, we are not sure how the film will fare but the actor seems confident.
Robert Downey Jr. to Remake Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo
Alfred Hitchcock‘s Vertigo is a psychological thriller from 1958, the film stars James Stewart as a retired police detective suffering from acrophobia and vertigo, who is hired to follow the mysterious wife of his acquaintance. The movie’s haunting score, its exploration of obsession and manipulation, and its visually stunning cinematography and complex storytelling have made it a timeless classic today.
And Robert Downey Jr. is set to star and produce a remake of the iconic hit. With a script written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, and the Downeys co-producing the flick, no more details of the film have been revealed other than that Doweny has been eyeing the role of James Stewart.
While we know how disastrous making a Hitchcock film might be (Gus Van Sant’s Psycho remake!), the Marvel star remains persistent and even expressed in an interview with The New York Times that his version might be even better.
Not even risky. Advisably ridiculous to even consider [remaking Vertigo]. Great, let’s look into it! First of all, who would our partners be in it? Love them, respect them. Second of all, let me reread the original synopsis. I think we can do better. [Laughs.]
Although we applaud the actor’s determination and courage to take on the challenge of remaking such an iconic film, history stands as witness to how ‘well’ remakes tend to do. Given Downey’s confidence in tackling Vertigo, one cannot help but think that, at this point, his Doctor Doom casting has more chances of succeeding and sounds more like a ‘backup’ plan should the Vertigo remake falter.
Vertigo is available to be streamed on Max.
