Although he is highly popular for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. has had an impressive career outside of the Marvel films as well. Over his decades-long career, he has portrayed numerous characters ranging from comedy to drama and action. He has also starred in a fair share of romantic comedies as well. However, the Iron Man star has not featured in a romantic comedy over the past decade.
But before he took a break from the genre, the actor did attempt to land a lead role in one of the best romantic comedies of all time, The Holiday. However, he lost the role, which eventually went to his Sherlock Holmes co-star Jude Law as he couldn’t get a thing right about his character.
Robert Downey Jr. Failed His Auditioned For The Holiday
The 2006 movie The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black, is considered one of the best romantic comedies of all time. Robert Downey Jr. has revealed that he also auditioned for Jude Law’s role of Graham Simpkins in the film.
During an appearance on The Howard Stern Show with the comedian and TV host Jimmy Fallon, he opened up about auditioning for the role. Fallon recalled seeing Downey Jr. at the auditions, saying, “This is the best actor I’ve ever sat across [from] and did a scene with in my entire life.”
The Due Date star then explained why he failed his audition. While he was determined to outrun his Sherlock Holmes co-star in the audition, the Titanic star’s remark was not the confidence boost he was hoping for. “Winslet said, ‘That is the worst British accent I’ve ever heard,’” he recalled.
After getting roasted by Winslet, The Avengers star decided to leave the audition. “I was like, ‘I’ll check out now, but I’m taking the gummy bears from the minibar,” he told Howard Stern. The English actor Jude Law eventually landed the part alongside Cameron Diaz in the 2006 film.
Robert Downey Jr. Helped Jude Law For His MCU Debut
Although he lost The Holiday role to Jude Law, they went on to become very good friends while starring in the Sherlock Holmes movies. Robert Downey Jr. and Law soon became fan-favorite as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, respectively. And they once again shared the screen in the 2011 film Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.
Similar to his co-star, the Black Sea actor also got the opportunity to star in the MCU with the 2019 film Captain Marvel. He joined the cast of the film as Yon-Rogg alongside Brie Larson. Law has shared that he has been a big fan of the franchise and it was like a dream come true for him.
While he did not receive direct advice from his co-star, he remembered the things Downey Jr. would say about filming a Marvel movie. “It’s not about trying to understand everything. Just do your piece,” Law recalled his words.
Source: The Howard Stern Show
