Jon Favreau Says Robert Downey Jr. Was In Talks For Another Marvel Character Before He Became Iron Man

It might be hard to imagine Robert Downey Jr. as anyone other than Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but director Jon Favreau has revealed that he was being considered for one more superhero project before becoming the beloved Tony Stark.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Iron manwhich kicked off Phase One of the MCU in 2008, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Favreau he sat down to think back on how the film came to be with Downey as the protagonist.

“I remember you all met with him (Downey) before like Doctor Doom or something in another project”, The Mandalorian said the creator. “I think she got away with it like maybe Fantastic Fourso everyone knew who he was.

Favreau hasn’t confirmed how far Downey has come in the audition process for Tim Story’s 2005 film, but the rights to the film at the time Fantastic Four they were owned by 20th Century Fox until Disney acquired the studio in 2019.

The director said they finally brought the actor to audition for Iron man and that’s when they saw “that spark in him” and knew he was perfect for the role.

“Once it was him, that’s when my life became so much easier because he understood the character’s voice,” Favreau explained. “And then, one by one, people were just signing on board because now it’s become something interesting.”

Iron man went on to earn more than $585 million worldwide, as well as Downey reprized the role in two Iron man followed, four avengers movie, Captain America Civil War and more. Feige also credits Downey with helping make the MCU what it is today.

“I remember in the later films – we’ll talk about them in the 15th anniversary of those – there were dark days,” said the Marvel boss. “I would tell Robert, ‘We wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for you,’ meaning we wouldn’t have a studio if it weren’t for him. Or you (Favreau).