Avengers Infinity War: Marvel DID NOT want Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man

Imagine the Avengers without Robert Downey Jr.

Imagine Iron Man without Robert Downey Jr.

It seems impossible because the star and the character blur at the edges, you would almost need superhero power to tell where one ended and the other began.

Even so, back when the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe was just being planned, before a single movie had hit the big screen, the studio was clear that it did not want to risk launching the entire franchise with Downey Jr. 

The first Iron Man movie launched the entire MCU and director John Favreau feared he would not get the leading man he wanted.

He said: “He (Downey Jr) didn’t fulfill any of the criteria I was presented.

“I’ve always loved his work. When I met with him it was just me and him and Robert was adamant, ‘This is the part I was meant to play. I am the guy for the role.’ And I came back (to the studio) and said,’ This guy looks fantastic, he’s enthusiastic and I really think he could be the guy.”

The studio did not agree.

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A feature in Empire magazine revealed: “For a while it wasn’t just touch and go it was ‘no.’”

Favreau added: “When it wasn’t going to work out, I literally could not sleep at night. And Robert said, ‘With your permission…I’d like to hold out hope here.'”

Luckily, the studio had already considered Tm Cruise for the role but when the plans fell through they agreed Iron Man himself should be bigger than the star playing him.

Favrea explained: “Iron Man is the $20million star of the movie. He’s the guy that’s going to sell tickets and put asses on seats.”

Favreau said the actor never lost hope: “He was relentless and patient and did everything he could and won the race. And now I look like a genius.”

Downey Jr, perhaps with the benefit of hidsight, said: “I’m not one to make calls before the game starts but I was pretty certain. It was in the air…”

Of course, that confidence and swagger is just one of the reasons why he was the perfect fit for Iron Man. The 2008 movie was a smash hit and a franchise was born that would change the face of cinema forever.

EMPIRE MAGAZINE IS OUT NOW

AVENGERS INFINITY WAR IS OUT ON APRIL 26