In a recent report by Deadline, acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan expressed high praise for actor Robert Downey Jr., particularly for his portrayal of ‘Iron Man.’ Nolan, known for his directorial prowess in films like ‘Inception’ and ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy, commended Downey Jr.’s contribution to the Marvel Universe, attributing it to the actor’s irresistible charm.
Nolan shared his enthusiasm for working with Downey Jr., stating, “I’ve always wanted to work with him. I’ve always seen that in his work. And he has such charisma as Tony Stark. Him playing Iron Man is one of the most consequential casting decisions that’s ever been made in the history of the movie business.”
Despite Downey Jr.’s undeniable acting abilities, Nolan highlighted the actor’s generosity on set, emphasizing his ability to allow others to shine. According to Nolan, Downey Jr. ensures that everyone in a scene is performing at their best and contributing to the emotional depth of the narrative.
The Deadline report mentioned a previous encounter between Downey Jr. and Nolan back in 2005 when the actor auditioned for the role of Scarecrow in ‘Batman Begins.’ Downey Jr. recalled feeling uncertain about the outcome, stating, “I remember meeting for tea, and I was like, ‘He doesn’t seem like he’s leaning in on this interview.’ And he was polite and all that, but I mean, you know, you can tell when someone is kind of like, ‘It’s not gonna go your way.'”
Interestingly, the role of Dr. Jonathan Crane, also known as the ‘Scarecrow,’ eventually went to Cillian Murphy, who coincidentally is Downey Jr.’s co-star in Nolan’s upcoming film, ‘Oppenheimer.’ The actor revealed this detail during a Q&A session with the audience following a screening of ‘Oppenheimer’ at the Aero Theater in Los Angeles.
Nolan’s recognition of Downey Jr.’s impact as Iron Man underscores the significance of casting decisions in shaping the success and legacy of major film franchises.
