It’s truly a wonder how Robert Downey Jr. is able to pull off every role he steps into with such ease and charisma that never seems to take the backseat. Whether it is saving the world from other-worldly threats in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or solving mysteries as Sherlock Holmes, there is nothing Robert Downey Jr. cannot do.
His most recent work as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer brought the film industry to its knees and forced the Academy Awards to give him a well-deserved Oscar nomination. If Robert Downey Jr. manages to win the award, which we have a feeling he will, this would be his very first Oscar. However, none of this would’ve been possible without filmmaker Christopher Nolan and Robert Downey Jr. wholeheartedly agrees.
Robert Downey Jr. is Grateful to Christopher Nolan
When the casting for Oppenheimer was announced, fans were going crazy at the thought of Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, and Christopher Nolan working together. After all, these three are some of the biggest and hottest names in the film industry right now. Needless to say, every element of the film ended up being absolute perfection and the trio managed to bag Oscar nominations for themselves.
Recently, Downey and Nolan joined Murphy for a Q&A session (via Variety) where the Iron Man actor opened up about how the director helped him navigate through a challenging period in his acting career. Despite gaining worldwide fame and love through the MCU, Downey hit a speed bump in his career after his character died in Avengers: End Game. According to him, he needed someone who could show him where to go next and that’s exactly where Nolan came in.
Downey stated,
“I was at a place in my life in my career, where I needed someone to have a vision of what was possible for me that I couldn’t see for myself.”
He also added that the role of Lewis Strauss came to him unexpectedly, “I got the call that I should go over to Chris’ house, which is already kind of exciting. I’d been casing the place for weeks.” Downey’s praise for Nolan kept coming as the actor continued, “You’re generous in the time that you afford to be able to help people find the scenes if they’re not exactly on point.”
Upon hearing Downey’s words, Nolan couldn’t keep all the love inside and he declared, “I love you, man!” which pleasantly surprised the Dolittle actor who was not used to this side of Nolan. Honestly, can you name a better duo?!
The Feeling is Completely Mutual
While Downey can probably go on and on about his love and respect for Nolan, the latter, too, knows no bounds when it comes to praising the former. During his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Nolan revealed that he had been wanting to work with Downey for a long time, especially since the actor revolutionized the superhero genre as Iron Man.
Nolan said,
“I’ve always wanted to work with him. I’ve always seen that in his work. And he has such charisma as Tony Stark. Him playing Iron Man is one of the most consequential casting decisions that’s ever been made in the history of the movie business. I wanted to give him the opportunity to lose himself in a part, lose himself in another human being the way great actors love him.”
Downey’s casting in Oppenheimer is yet another proof that Nolan can do no wrong. He knows what actor would be perfect for what role and so far, he has not missed a shot!
You can stream Oppenheimer on Peacock Premium.
