Summary
Timothy Olyphant reflects on auditioning for Iron Man and reveals his admiration for director Jon Favreau, despite losing the role to Robert Downey Jr.
Downey's casting as Iron Man proved to be a successful gamble for Marvel Studios, as the film's triumph paved the way for the birth of the MCU. His portrayal of Tony Stark was an impeccable match, highlighting his charm and skill in making the character endearing, while simultaneously squashing any concerns regarding his dedication to the role.
Timothy Olyphant reflects on losing the role of Iron Man to Robert Downey Jr. Despite missing out on that opportunity, Olyphant later secured the role of Cobb Vanth in The Mandalorian and had the chance to collaborate with director Jon Favreau. In an interview with The Playlist, Olyphant shares his reasons for auditioning for the Iron Man role and addresses any lingering resentment towards Favreau for choosing Downey instead. Read his complete statements below:
"I can only tell you that I recall thinking that was the initial occasion where, due to my slow learning nature and my deep fear of the challenges that accompany success in this industry, but that was when I remember contemplating, 'Well, I cannot become any more grounded and therefore [auditioning for 'Iron Man'] would be enjoyable. Prior to that, I was hesitant and thought, 'Oh, I don't want those types of complications.' However, part of the allure was the discussions I had with [Jon] Favreau – I hold a great deal of admiration for him and simply appreciate him as a person. He's truly a good individual." "If you're going to embark on that path, you won't find a better companion to accompany you, so I cherish the memories of that experience, you know? I strive to view things for what they are rather than what they could be, and any conversations I had with Jon regarding that job and that process, I remember them with great fondness. It was a pleasurable journey... And, well, he's the one who hired me for [‘The Mandalorian’], so I don't expect anything from him."
Why Robert Downey Jr. Was Chosen As MCU’s Iron Man
After 15 years since its release, Downey's casting as Iron Man has sparked countless discussions. According to Kevin Feige, recruiting the actor was Marvel Studios' biggest gamble. The very existence of the MCU hinged on the success of Iron Man, as Marvel had to utilize its entire repertoire to secure financing. Had the film failed, Marvel would have been deprived of the opportunity to forge ahead with their own productions, let alone establish a franchise. Fortunately, Downey turned out to be the ideal choice for the role, with even Christopher Nolan admitting that it ranks among the most exceptional casting decisions ever made.
Downey admits that his successful casting as Tony Stark in Iron Man can be attributed to a stellar screen test, a portion of which is available online for anyone to view. Although it is unclear if the mentioned set is what he is referring to, there is no doubt that Downey exuded the necessary charisma and cleverness to bring the character to life. While portraying Iron Man was challenging, embodying the superhero's alter ego was potentially even more difficult due to the risk of making him unlikable. Fortunately, Downey's suitability for the role allowed him to make the character endearing.
Despite his exceptional work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) over the course of a decade, Downey has expressed concerns that portraying the same character for such a long period of time might hinder his acting abilities. However, his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer effectively disproves this notion. It is safe to say that Favreau and Feige made a wise decision in selecting Downey to portray Iron Man.
Source: The Playlist
