Robert Downey Jr. has become a household name among Hollywood fans for his portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But before he became the face of the franchise, the actor had a few setbacks in his professional life. Recently, Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, revealed that Downey Jr. “tried” to play a role in a Fantastic Four film before he landed the iconic role of Tony Stark.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the story behind Downey Jr.’s failed attempt at the Fantastic Four.
BBC | Downey Jr. once attempted to play a villain in Fantastic Four prior to his cast in “Iron Man.”
The Early Years of Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. began his acting career in the early 80s with a string of successful films, including Less Than Zero and Chaplin. However, the actor was in and out of rehab over the years and struggled to maintain a steady career. In 2000, Downey Jr. was arrested for drug possession, leading to a hiatus in his professional life.
The Attempt at the Fantastic Four
In the early 2000s, Fox was developing a Fantastic Four film, and Robert Downey Jr. was in talks to play the role of Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic. However, the project fell through, and the film was never made. It is unclear why the Fantastic Four project did not move forward. But some speculate that it was due to the lack of interest from the studio and filmmakers.
The Talks | The president of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, reveals that Downey Jr. tried to play a role in Fantastic Four.
The Rise of “Iron Man”
In 2008, Marvel Studios released “Iron Man,” and Robert Downey Jr. was cast as the lead role of Tony Stark. The film was a huge success, grossing over $585 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of that year. Downey Jr. went on to reprise the role in several sequels and crossover films, cementing his status as one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.
The Legacy of Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. has had a storied career in Hollywood, with both ups and downs. However, his portrayal of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe brought him worldwide acclaim and solidified his place as a beloved icon among fans.
Despite his struggles with addiction, Downey Jr. has continued to reinvent himself as an actor and has several projects in the works, including a Sherlock Holmes sequel and a live-action Pinocchio film.
Films | It was in 2008 when Robert Downey Jr. starred in “Iron Man.”
The Final Word
Robert Downey Jr.’s failed attempt at the Fantastic Four may have been a setback. But it ultimately led to one of the biggest roles of his career. The actor’s legacy in Hollywood goes far beyond his time as “Iron Man.”
Thus, his perseverance in the face of adversity has inspired many. As fans eagerly await Downey Jr.’s next projects, it is clear that the actor’s impact on the film industry will continue for years to come.
