Robert Downey Jr’s Early Marvel Audition: Doctor Doom Before Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr, globally renowned for his portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man in Marvel’s cinematic universe, nearly embarked on a different Marvel path before donning the iconic red and gold suit. According to Deadline, marking the 15th anniversary of ‘Iron Man’ (2008), director and co-star Jon Favreau shared an intriguing detail about Downey Jr’s earlier involvement with Marvel.

Favreau recalled, “I remember you had all met with him already for something like Doctor Doom or something on another project.” He noted, “I think he had come through on maybe ‘Fantastic Four’, so everybody sort of knew who he was.” Ultimately, the role of Doctor Doom went to Julian McMahon, known for his roles in ‘Nip/Tuck’ and ‘Charmed’.

Reflecting on casting Downey Jr as Tony Stark, Favreau emphasized his pivotal role in the success of ‘Iron Man‘, stating, “He’s the puzzle piece that made it all work… He had that spark in his eye and he was ready.” Marvel’s Kevin Feige acknowledged the collaboration between Favreau and Downey Jr as instrumental in shaping the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). According to Deadline, Feige remarked, “That tone that you and Robert discovered on that movie… became the template in a way for much of what the MCU became.”

Downey Jr’s portrayal of Tony Stark not only defined his career but also anchored the early success of the MCU, leading to his collaborations with actors like Chris Evans, who played the Human Torch in ‘Fantastic Four’ before becoming Captain America. Over the span of 10 movies, Downey Jr embodied the complex character of Iron Man, culminating in his emotional departure in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019).

Feige confirmed in December that there were no plans to resurrect Iron Man post-‘Endgame’, stating, “We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again.”

As fans reflect on Downey Jr’s transformative role and his impact on Marvel’s cinematic universe, the revelation of his near-casting as Doctor Doom adds another layer to the actor’s storied journey within one of Hollywood’s most beloved franchises.