Robert Downey Jr. Says Playing Tony Stark Is “Part of My DNA”
Despite the fact that his character was killed at the culmination of Avengers: Endgame, the spector of Robert Downey Jr. continues to loom large over the MCU.
Since Tony Stark sacrificed himself to save the universe from Thanos, Marvel has struggled to find its way.
![Iron Man snap](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Iron-man-snap-1024x576.jpg)
![Iron Man snap](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Iron-man-snap-1024x576.jpg)
Photo: Marvel
Following a particularly difficult 2023, many wondered if Marvel would reverse course and find a way to bring Downey Jr. back into the fold.
Downey Initially Seemed Happy to be Free of the MCU
When he first left the MCU, Downey seemed thrilled to explore other opportunities. In fact, after signing on for Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, the actor seemed downright dismissive about his Marvel work. Downey referred to Avengers: Age of Ultron as “content” and admitted that he had worried that playing Tony Stark for so long hurt his acting ability.
![Robert Downey Jr. Oppenheimer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-12-at-14-21-11-Who-Does-Robert-Downey-Jr.-Play-in-Oppenheimer-1024x512.png)
![Robert Downey Jr. Oppenheimer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-12-at-14-21-11-Who-Does-Robert-Downey-Jr.-Play-in-Oppenheimer-1024x512.png)
Photo: Universal Pictures
In the last few months, however, Downey seems to have changed his tune.
A Change in Tune
In April, Downey Jr. told Esquire that he would “happily” return as Iron Man if called upon.
![Iron Man](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/robert-downey-jr-feature-1200x675-1-1024x576.jpg)
![Iron Man](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/robert-downey-jr-feature-1200x675-1-1024x576.jpg)
Photo: Marvel
“Happily,” Downey Jr. said. “It’s too integral a part of my DNA. That role chose me. And look, I always say, never, ever bet against Kevin Feige. It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
In a recent conversation with Jodie Foster as part of Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Downey Jr. reiterated that he would be open to playing Iron Man again.
![Robert Downey Jr.](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Robert-Downey-Jr.-1024x683.jpg)
![Robert Downey Jr.](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Robert-Downey-Jr.-1024x683.jpg)
Photographer: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
“It’s just crazily in my DNA. Probably the most like-me character I’ve ever played, even though he’s way cooler than I am. I’ve become surprisingly open-minded to the idea.”
Will Marvel Bring Downey Jr. Back?
Despite Downey Jr.’s willingness to reprise his iconic role, Marvel head Kevin Feige has publically stated that Marvel will not undo Iron Man’s death.
![origin of "I love you 3000"](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/TonyStark.jpg)
![origin of "I love you 3000"](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/TonyStark.jpg)
Photo Credit: Marvel Studios
“We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again. We all worked very hard for many years to get to that, and we would never want to magically undo it in any way,” he told Variety.
In spite of Feige’s comments, it is hard to imagine a world where Downey Jr. wants to return, and Marvel passes on the opportunity.
![Tony Stark and Pepper Potts](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Tony-Stark-Pepper-Potts-Iron-Man.png)
![Tony Stark and Pepper Potts](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Tony-Stark-Pepper-Potts-Iron-Man.png)
Tony Stark and Pepper Potts
With the Marvel multiverse set to come together, perhaps there will be a way to bring Downey Jr. back after all.