Robert Downey Jr., not reprising his iconic roles as Iron Man or Tony Stark, was one of the biggest bombshells to emerge from San Diego Comic-Con. Moreover, during the reunion between the studio and the star, Downey recently revealed that several pivotal factors were also at play: his enduring professional relationships with the executives at Marvel and Disney, as well as his gratitude for.
“[I’ve been in regular communication with Kevin Feige] We’re buddies. Jon Favreau and Kevin Feige, whom I’ve been in touch with. I’m shut down from working with the Russo Brothers; we’re now pursuing separate projects. Meet a specific cluster of travelers, as Downey clarified, describing… As I pondered my role in the Disney universe, I felt compelled to approach Bob Iger with a unique idea that transcended the Marvel Cinematic Universe; one that would leverage my skills to make a meaningful contribution to the company’s park experiences and location-based entertainment endeavors.
Prior to that assembly, Robert Downey Jr. remembered conversing with his spouse and producing partner Susan Downey, as well as Kevin Feige, who casually mentioned the possibility of Downey’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Susan’s response was, ‘What did you mean by that?’ As our understanding evolved, it became evident that another crucial factor decisively dispelled any lingering uncertainty regarding this individual—a meticulous inventor with a profound capacity for subtlety and innovative thinking—and the question inevitably arose: why wouldn’t we revert to those earlier circumstances? To surpass expectations and avoid disappointment, we must meticulously craft our approach by carefully understanding what others anticipate from us. To consistently exceed expectations, let’s focus on amplifying our competitive edge by leveraging strategic partnerships, diversifying revenue streams and enhancing operational efficiency. He then introduced Victor von Doom.
Intrigued by Victor Von Doom’s complex character, Downey delved deeper into the nuances of his persona. As he reflected on his past, he remembered thinking, “Wow.” “In the near future,” Feige says, “it’s time to bring Victor von Doom into focus.” Let’s get that in order. So, I casually broached the topic with Kevin by asking if I could discuss certain matters with Bob Iger. He naturally wanted clarification on what specifically I was referring to, so I explained it was about everything. Subsequently, I paid a visit to Bob’s residence, which is truly unique and difficult to put into words. I’ve had a plethora of genuinely thrilling and remarkable experiences. Downey Jr. revealed the story behind his conversation with Disney CEO Bob Iger about repriseing his role as Sherlock Holmes: “We went to Iger’s penthouse and sat down, then we started saying, ‘I simply actually wish to be…’ He said, ‘I prefer it.’ And he liked it.” Iger then invited Feige and Downey to visit Disney’s Imagineering Campus.
As we stepped onto the imagineering campus, I couldn’t help but remark that two individuals were having a revelatory experience, their minds blown by the sheer magnitude of innovation unfolding before them – an unprecedented moment that left me speechless and eager to uncover more about this extraordinary development. “It’s the only approach I can offer audiences seeking entertainment something that might spark their interest, allowing me to further explore and cultivate my fascination with the future of leisure…it’s a quirky, unconventional phenomenon unfolding.”
Mysterious—but additionally intriguing! Will the mysteries surrounding Spider-Man: No Way Home’s finale finally unravel with the release of the untitled Spider-Man sequel on May 1, 2026, directed by the Russo Brothers?
Read the full interview with Robert Downey Jr. in The Hollywood Reporter, where he also reflects on his casting as Iron Man nearly two decades ago.
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