Robert Downey Jr. is iconically known for portraying the role of Tony Stark aka Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever since its inception in 2008. With Downey Jr. portraying the titular character, the 2008 film Iron Man did not have any solid strategy that most of the MCU movies have now.
Talking about what it was like behind the scenes of the 2008 movie, Robert Downey Jr.’s co-star and veteran actor Jeff Bridges stated how the film didn’t have a proper schedule. Stating that the writers had to be called up every day for ideas, Bridges was once told, that Iron Man was a $200 million student film!
Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man Was A $200 Million Student Film!
Being an iconic actor, Jeff Bridges portrayed the role of Obadiah Stane aka the Iron Monger in the 2008 film. Wanting the arc reactor for himself, Stane chooses to end Robert Downey Jr.’s Stark and weaponize Stark Industries but Iron Man stops him at the end.
With a simple story at hand, Iron Man is quite simple in terms compared to the rest of the MCU movies. Being the originator of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the book, MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios narrated how Iron Man felt like a student film with a tremendous budget.
“They had no script, man. We would show up everyday and we wouldn’t know what we were going to say. We would have to call up the writers on the phone: ‘You got any ideas?'”
The actor further continued,
“I like to be prepared. I like to know my lines. I made a little adjustment in my head. The adjustment was: Jeff, just relax, you are in a 200 million dollar student film, have fun, just relax.”
With director Jon Favreau attached to the franchise, the director happily helmed the first two Iron Man films but refused to direct the third one. Stating that the MCU had become too broad and too complicated for him, Favreau retired from the director’s seat for Iron Man 3!
Jon Favreau Had No Idea What Iron Man 3 Was!
With the Marvel Cinematic Universe establishing itself firmly in Hollywood, Jon Favreau was quite overwhelmed after the first Avengers came out. Speaking with MTV News, the director stated that he wasn’t sure what Iron Man 3 was anymore since he had to bring in several other characters in the film too.
“In theory, Iron Man 3 is going to be a sequel or continuation of Thor, Hulk, Captain America, and Avengers. This whole world… I have no idea what it is. I don’t think they do either, from conversations I’ve had with those guys.”
Stepping down from the role, Iron Man 3 was directed by Shane Black and the movie received average success and mixed ratings. The Robert Downey Jr. franchise is available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S.
