Given his illustrious career as one of Hollywood’s most prominent actors, it’s unsurprising that Robert Downey Jr. has turned down multiple significant film opportunities. The actor is widely recognized for portraying Iron Man in ten MCU films. Besides, he has headlined Guy Ritchie’s commercially successful Sherlock Holmes franchise and a variety of comedies, dramas, and thrillers.
Throughout his four-decade career, the actor has won two Golden Globes and received an Academy Award nomination for his role in Tropic Thunder, directed by Ben Stiller. But did you know the actor almost got cast for Batman’s role?
Robert Downey Jr. Turned Down Batman Role
Batman has been rebooted several times over the years, and numerous Hollywood actors have been linked to the role of the Caped Crusader. However, the initial iteration of Tim Burton’s Batman had a really unconventional candidate list. Interestingly, before Michael Keaton got cast for the part, Bill Murray was in the run for the role.
Besides, Robert Downey Jr. was also strongly considered for the role of the Dark Knight. According to The Richest, Downey was on Burton’s personal shortlist for the part. Downey’s inclusion on the list seems surprising, as Keaton and Murray were primarily known for their comedic work.
The role finally went to Michael Keaton, who will take on the Joker, played by Jack Nicholson. Besides, Kim Basinger played Vicki Vale in the film. The film is known for Burton’s unique visual style and quirky sensibilities and was a box office success and received rave reviews for its performance, music, and production design. Downey might have regretted not getting the part, as the film brought the DC Comics character to the silver screen in a much darker and gothic fashion.
Also Read: Marvel Let Robert Downey Jr. Keep a Rare $9M Acura NSX Iron Man Supercar from $1.5B Avengers Movie
Major Roles Refused By Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. did not just lose out on the role of the Caped Crusader; there’s a long list of projects that went on to become a huge success without Downey’s star power. Top Gun, the 1986 action blockbuster, considered numerous actors for the role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Robert Downey Jr. was also a contender for the part. Reportedly, the actor narrowly passed over for the iconic character. Ironically, Downey’s most famous role as Iron Man in the MCU only came after Tom Cruise rejected the opportunity.
Robert Downey Jr. was also a top contender for the lead role in Tim Burton’s gothic Christmas fantasy, Edward Scissorhands. With Burton’s rise after Batman’s success, starring in this beloved holiday classic could have propelled Downey’s career to new heights. Screenwriter Caroline Thompson confirmed that Downey was seriously considered for the part. The coveted role eventually went to Johnny Depp, who later collaborated with Burton on numerous projects.
Downey was also in talks to star in Cowboys & Aliens as Jake Lonergan. However, it was fortunate for the actor to decline the role, as the film failed to make a profit or impress the viewers. The role eventually went to Daniel Craig, who Harrison Ford accompanied in a major role. Had Downey taken the role, it might have dampened his career prospects in the genre.
Also Read: “I was scared”: Robert Downey Jr’s One Call Changed Marvel’s Hulk Mark Ruffalo’s Life
Source: The Richest
