Arguably, no actor or actress has made a more indelible impression in our cinephile minds as Robert Downey Jr. created as Tony Stark in Iron Man. Sure, Christopher Reeve as the original ‘Superman’ or even Chris Evans as Steve Rogers in Captain America may have something to say about that, but it’ll be a long argument.
No matter what movie Robert Downey Jr. is in from this point forward (even though he doesn’t need to act any more considering the NBA-type contract he got in Avengers: Endgame), people will still look for some spunk, smarmy wit, and a heavily manicured goatee in whatever role he lands.
He knows it, which is why he opened up about his future after Marvel during an interview for photographer and director Sam Jones’ show “Off Camera,” in which RDJ said he was looking forward to the challenge of separating himself from Tony Stark.
I had an incredible ten-year run that was creatively satisfying. It was very, very, very hard work and I dug very deep, but I have not been forced to explore the new frontier of what is my creative and personal life after this.
Well, Bob, now’s your chance. What will you make of it, and how will the rest of CBM actors learn from your example–because they’ll need one:
First thing you learn in theater arts: Aesthetic distance. I am not this play I’m doing. I’m not a character in ‘The Fantasticks.’ I’m not Will from ‘Oklahoma.’ Aesthetic distance. It’s job one. I’m not my work. I’m not what I did with that studio.
I’m not that period of time that I spent playing this character. And it sucks because the kid in all of us wants to be like, ‘No! It’s always gonna be summer camp and we’re all holding hands and singing kumbaya. Isn’t it?’ It’s like, ‘no! Snap out of it.
There isn’t a single nerd alive that won’t miss RDJ as Tony Stark, but all good things must come to an end, just like the Avengers in Marvel’s Phase 3. But can we move on? Can he?
Only time will tell and the rest of us will be left shouting our thoughts. What are yours? We love you 3000 RDJ.
Watch the full interview below:
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