Robert Downey Jr., the legendary actor behind the iconic Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), bid farewell to his superhero saga with Avengers: Endgame. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1 while promoting Dolittle, Downey Jr. opened up about the superhero he would have loved to play if not for his memorable tenure as Iron Man.
Farewell to Iron Man: Downey Jr. reflected on his journey as Iron Man, expressing gratitude for the incredible experience. From his debut in 2008’s Iron Man to the emotional conclusion in Avengers: Endgame, Downey’s charismatic portrayal of Tony Stark has become synonymous with the success of the MCU. Despite leaving the door slightly ajar for a potential return, Downey emphasized his desire to explore new opportunities and take on different roles.
Childhood Dream: Spider-Man: When asked about the MCU character he would have portrayed if not for Iron Man, Downey Jr. revealed a childhood dream. “I can’t think of any red-blooded American boy that didn’t imagine themselves as Spider-Man growing up,” he confessed. This revelation resonated with fans, highlighting the universal appeal of the friendly neighborhood web-slinger. Downey Jr.’s close mentorship of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in the MCU added an extra layer of significance to this choice.
Surprising Choice: Hawkeye: In a surprising turn, Downey Jr. expressed admiration for Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye. Reflecting on the character’s evolution, especially during the events of Avengers: Endgame when Hawkeye transformed into Ronin, Downey Jr. declared, “I would say Hawkeye would be my go-to.” This unexpected choice showcased his appreciation for Renner’s portrayal and the character’s impact on the MCU.
Post-MCU Odyssey: After the poignant sacrifice of Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame, Downey Jr. has been clear about not planning to return to the MCU. He mentioned, “To me, starting up again is off the table. I feel like I’ve done all I could with that character.” Downey Jr. expressed a desire to explore new opportunities and diversify his acting roles.
While fans may never see Downey Jr. as Spider-Man or Hawkeye, his enduring legacy as Iron Man and his openness to discussing other superhero possibilities continue to captivate enthusiasts of the superhero genre. As Downey Jr. embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career, audiences eagerly await his upcoming projects beyond the MCU.