Robert Downey Jr Reveals the Hidden Impact of MCU on his Acting Skills

Robert Downey Jr. has expressed his concerns about the impact of playing Iron Man on his acting skills. The actor, who was the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade, started his journey as Tony Stark in 2008 with Iron Man. However, with his departure from the franchise in Avengers: Endgame in 2019, Downey has been exploring new projects. Among them, his role in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer is particularly significant. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Downey confesses that his focus on the Marvel franchise had instilled a fear of losing his acting abilities.

Yes, absolutely. Without a doubt, I recognized the moment when Chris Nolan was advocating for us to exercise different abilities, but simultaneously removing your typical reliance on certain elements.

Robert Downey Jr's 10 Years As Iron Man Made Him Worried About Acting In Oppenheimer

In the highly anticipated Oppenheimer film, the star-studded cast features Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, joined by Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and Florence Pugh. Robert Downey Jr. takes on the role of Lewis Strauss, marking a shift for the former MCU star who is no longer leading the billing list after his decade-long portrayal of Iron Man. However, this doesn't mean that the job becomes any less challenging for him. Although the responsibility of spearheading the project isn't solely on his shoulders, there are expectations for him to deliver his best performance, given the talented ensemble he is surrounded by.

For what it's worth, Downey never appeared to simply coast his way through the MCU. While he did embody some of Stark's notable qualities, the actor consistently delivered exceptional performances. Whether he was the main focus in his trilogy, a part of an ensemble in the Avengers films, or even in a supporting role like in Captain America: Civil War, Downey always showcased his best work. This is a significant factor in why his portrayal of Iron Man was thrilling.

Perhaps Downey's concerns stem from not the Marvel Cinematic Universe itself, but from playing the same character for 11 years. The lack of variety made it effortless for him to transition into and out of Iron Man's shoes. Now, being outside of the Marvel bubble, he can explore a range of roles in the future, beginning with Oppenheimer.

Source: New York Times