Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and director Jon Favreau recently came together to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the first Iron Man movie, released in 2008. The film became an unexpected box office success and set the stage for the dominant filmmaking style that would shape Hollywood in the years to come.
The inaugural Iron Man film propelled Robert Downey Jr into global stardom and laid the foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which would become the highest-grossing film franchise in history. However, Downey's casting was not without its challenges, as he was recovering from a series of public legal troubles at the time.
In a video shared on Marvel's official channels, Feige expressed that hiring Downey was "probably one of the greatest decisions in the history of Hollywood," as reported by The Indian Express. He acknowledged the actor's pivotal role in the success of the MCU, stating, "We wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for you," referring to the immense popularity and impact of the franchise.
Feige also reminisced about Downey's unwavering dedication to making Iron Man a unique movie, rather than a generic Hollywood blockbuster. He recalled how they would work together at the end of each shoot day, rewriting scenes to meet Downey's high standards and ensure the film felt special.
Favreau, who had passionately advocated for Downey's casting, reflected on how his life became easier once the actor was onboard. He vividly remembered his initial meeting with Downey, noting that the actor possessed the perfect understanding of the character and brought a special spark to the role. “I remember sitting down with [Downey] and I was like, he just got it and he’s got that spark in him and his eye and he’s ready,” recalled the director.
Following his debut as Iron Man, Downey went on to star in three standalone Iron Man movies, four Avengers films, and appearances in Captain America and Spider-Man movies. His next project will be Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. Favreau, on the other hand, continued his successful journey in the industry. In addition to directing two immensely popular Disney films, The Jungle Book and The Lion King, he spearheaded the Star Wars show on Disney+.
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