Robert Downey Jr. Nearly Portrayed Another Iconic Character in One of Marvel’s Least Popular Movies

As a dedicated gamer and avid Marvel fan, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for Robert Downey Jr.’s remarkable journey in the MCU. His transformation into Iron Man is nothing short of iconic, marking the beginning of an epic cinematic universe that has captivated audiences around the world.


Robert Downey Jr. is indisputably a renowned figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, known for bringing Iron Man to life in an unforgettable way. His introduction as this iconic character initiated the MCU’s intriguing narrative, and his performance continues to be celebrated.

In the MCU, Downey’s fortunes took a turn for the better following some difficult times. Lately, he has publicly stated his eagerness to rejoin the MCU, stressing that being Iron Man is an essential part of who he is.

Prior to securing the part of Tony Stark, Downey Jr. tried out for an influential Marvel character other than Iron Man: the notorious villain Dr. Doom.

In a recent reflection on the 15-year anniversary of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s debut film, Jon Favreau shared that Robert Downey Jr. tried out for the part in the 2005 production of “Fantastic Four” as well.

Previously, you had all interacted with him for some reason, akin to Doctor Doom, regarding another undertaking. He had made his mark, presumably, on the Fantastic Four project. As a result, most people were acquainted with him.

It turned out advantageous that Julian McMahon ultimately obtained the part of Doctor Doom. The reception for “Fantastic Four” was universally unfavorable, with criticisms ranging from its plot to its subpar special effects and acting. Some reviewers went so far as to label it a cheesy and inferior version of the original. Despite earning decent box office revenues, the follow-up film was a disappointment in every regard.

McMahon’s portrayal of Doom in the MCU was satisfactory, but it worked out well that Robert Downey Jr. started his Marvel journey without being linked to the poorly received film “Doom.” However, this didn’t prevent Downey Jr. from eventually securing the role of Iron Man. In fact, Chris Evans had previously acted in “Fantastic Four” as the Human Torch before transitioning into the role of Captain America and headlining three successful standalone films.

At the very same occasion, Feige admitted that a significant portion of Marvel’s achievements is due to Downey Jr.’s exceptional performance as Iron Man.

In hindsight, as I reflect on the more recent films we’ll discuss during their 15th anniversary, there were challenging times. I would often tell Robert, “If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be in this predicament.” This statement signified that without his efforts and contributions, we wouldn’t have our studio.

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2024-07-18 03:14