Robert Downey Jr., better known for his character Iron Man in the Marvel Universe, is one of the most famous actors of our time. He has enjoyed the incredible success of the Iron Man series and a massive fan following from his role in the Avengers franchise. Most recently, he has been seen in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, which was also a booming success. After Iron Man, his fame and success grew to a point where he could earn $20 Million even for a movie like Dolittle which tanked at the box office.
However, the Sherlock Holmes actor’s career has had some significant bumps in the past. Once upon a time, it seemed that his career was essentially dead. At this point, director and producer Mel Gibson took a stand for the actor. He supported Robert Downey Jr. when it seemed like the end of his career.
Mel Gibson Cast Robert Downey Jr. When Nobody Would Hire Him
In the early 90s, the Sherlock Holmes actor struggled with addiction. In the documentary Sr., he explains how it took him almost 20 years to get his life in order. Growing up, his father was also an addict. This made things especially difficult for Robert Downey Jr.
He faced a long battle with addiction before finally getting sober in 2003. At this time, nobody in the film industry wanted to risk casting him, and even production companies required completion bonds for assurance. Gibson himself paid Downey Jr.’s insurance bond so he could get work in the 2003 film The Singing Detective.
A few years later, Gibson went through a difficult time in his personal life which also affected his career. Robert Downey Jr. took a strong stand for him. Downey showed his fierce loyalty to Gibson at the 25th Annual Cinematheque Awards. He requested that his award be presented by Gibson himself, and reasoned with the film industry in the audience. He humbly asked them to give Gibson a second chance.
Downey Jr Agrees to Play Iron Man Again, Under One Condition
Marvel fans have been impatiently waiting for Iron Man 4 to be announced. Downey has previously said that he is unsure if he will continue with the franchise. Recently, Robert Downey Jr. delivered an interesting statement. He revealed that he will only play the role of Iron Man in the 4th installment if his friend Mel Gibson is directing the film.
Downey Jr. said that the fourth movie will be his “way of repaying” the director for his support during the destructive years of Downey’s life.
In response to Robert Downey Jr.’s statement, Gibson said “I’m pretty good at directing. I think I got some statues for it. I think I can do it.”
The two men still remain close, and Gibson said they remained in touch when Robert Downy Jr. welcomed his daughter Avri Roel Downey.
Source: Showbiz Cheatsheet
