When Marvel refused to hire Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, said we ‘will not cast him at any price’

The story of how the Marvel Cinematic Universe got here into existence by no means ceases to exhilarate. As we speak, when MCU is the largest and by far essentially the most worthwhile cinematic franchise in historical past, it's simple to overlook that it might have been derailed if the primary few initiatives had not lived as much as expectations.

When Iron Man, which started this complete shebang, went into manufacturing, the ambitions of the makers had been largely restricted to make an excellent comedian guide film. Every part else — the Avengers, Thanos and what got here later — had been however a dream within the eyes of Kevin Feige.

Now, practically all people agrees that the largest cause the movie labored is because of Robert Downey Jr within the lead position, an actor who has change into synonymous along with his MCU position. However casting him was not simple. Director Jon Favreau’s alternative, the actor was not widespread at the moment. Not due to lack of expertise, per se, however somewhat due to his historical past with medicine and alcohol.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHU49CD0TOs[/embed]

Director Jon Favreau mentioned in a Rolling Stone interview that Marvel flat out refused to rent Robert Downey Jr. Marvel’s response was that “under no circumstances are we prepared to hire him for any price.” The director, who had fought lengthy and laborious, had referred to as the actor and advised him, “I fought, I tried, I did what I could, it’s a pity and a shame, but unfortunately it’s going to stop here.” Downey, nonetheless, had endured, “With your permission, I’m going to hold out hope.” Favreau endured and Iron Man went on to pave the way in which for a billion-dollar franchise.

In an interview with 100.3 Jack FM, Favreau opened up in regards to the lengthy drawn-out course of. Favreau advised USA As we speak in 2007, a yr earlier than the movie’s launch, “We didn’t want to just go with a safe choice. The best and worst moments of Robert’s life have been in the public eye.”

He added, “He had to find an inner balance to overcome obstacles that went far beyond his career. That’s Tony Stark. Robert brings a depth that goes beyond a comic-book character who is having trouble in high school, or can’t get the girl. Plus, he’s simply one of the best actors around.”

In one other interview, in 2014 with 100.3 Jack FM, Favreau revealed, “Everybody knew he was talented… Certainly by studying the Iron Man role and developing that script I realised that the character seemed to line-up with Robert in all the good and bad ways. And the story of Iron Man was really the story of Robert’s career.”

Like many different actors, it's laborious to think about anyone else within the position, so utterly Downey went on to subsume himself within the position. And as Favreau mentioned, the arc of Downey and Tony Stark in the direction of redemption was eerily related.

Iron Man went on to gross 585 million {dollars} worldwide. It might appear unimpressive proper now by MCU requirements, nevertheless it was an enormous deal again then. It made positive the MCU stayed afloat and now it dominates widespread creativeness.