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Robert Downey Jr. played an indispensable role in propelling the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to unparalleled heights of success. His portrayal of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, was central to the franchise’s popularity. His departure after Tony Stark’s demise in “Endgame” can be viewed as a contributing factor to the subsequent dip in the franchise’s fortunes. Downey Jr.’s substantial influence, particularly in his portrayal of Iron Man, allowed him to make a unique demand on set, leaving his co-stars feeling a bit chilly.
Journalist Joanna Robinson, co-author of the book “MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios,” shared insights from her visit to a Marvel set during the production of “Endgame” in 2017. She revealed that the temperature on set was intentionally kept very low, as per Robert Downey Jr.’s preference. This meant that everyone else had to layer up to stay warm.
Robinson described the atmosphere, stating, “The vibe is interesting… it’s ice cold in the studio because that’s how Robert Downey Jr. likes it. So everyone else had to layer up, because Robert Downey Jr. likes things at a certain degree.” She further observed that between takes, the ensemble cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, and Jeremy Renner, would gather in one spot, engaging in games and conversations. In contrast, Downey Jr. would often be in his own world, even having his own trailer within the studio.
Given Downey Jr.’s monumental impact on the MCU’s success, it’s understandable that conditions on set were tailored to his preferences. For “Endgame,” Downey Jr. was the highest-paid actor, earning both an upfront salary and a percentage of the overall box office, amounting to a total payday of $75 million.
Replacing Iron Man’s presence in the MCU has proven to be a significant challenge. Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark was a masterful blend of genius, arrogance, frustration, and charisma, making it nearly impossible to envision another actor in the role as seamlessly. While the upcoming Marvel films are searching for a character to fill Iron Man’s shoes, the task remains a daunting one, leaving the future of the franchise feeling uncertain.