The Marvel Cinematic Universe, which began in 2008, has come a long way, featuring iconic characters and attracting top-tier Hollywood talent. However, not many people know that the first star to believe in this ambitious project was Robert Downey Jr., who played Iron Man. Initially, the idea of casting him was met with skepticism, and even the former Marvel boss, David Maisel, was considered crazy for supporting Downey.
Yet, the first Iron Man film not only kick-started the MCU but also marked a significant career resurgence for RDJ. He proved his mettle by portraying the charismatic superhero with his unique charm and wit, successfully shedding his troubled past marked by addiction battles and legal issues. Now, Maisel has opened up about the early days of forming the Marvel Cinematic Universe and how his decision to cast Downey as Iron Man faced opposition.
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Ex-Marvel Boss Had Confidence in Robert Downey Jr That He Would Stay Clean
David Maisel, the former president of Marvel Studios and the initial architect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently emphasized his crucial role in bringing the MCU to fruition. Despite not being widely recognized by fans, Maisel asserted that the MCU owes its existence to him. He envisioned a connected universe where each film would be a sequel or a quasi-sequel, featuring interconnected characters. Maisel presented this concept to Marvel Entertainment’s CEO, Isaac “Ike” Perlmutter, who appointed him as the president of Marvel Studios.
With a financing deal of $525 million secured through Merrill Lynch, Maisel kick-started the MCU with the 2008 film “Iron Man,” directed by Jon Favreau. But Marvel’s board was nervous about casting Downey Jr. was given his bad boy reputation, which included being arrested in April 1996 for possession of heroin, cocaine, and an unloaded gun. Downey Jr. was on the outs of Hollywood at the time, and Marvel was deciding between him or Timothy Olyphant to cast as Iron Man.
“My board thought I was crazy to put the future of the company in the hands of an addict. I helped them understand how great he was for the role. We all had confidence that he was clean and would stay clean.”
How Did Robert Downey Jr Turn His Life Around?
In 2002, Robert Downey Jr. experienced a remarkable resurgence following his time in rehab. He captivated audiences with memorable performances in films like Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang, and the critically acclaimed Zodiac. However, it was during the production of Gothika in 2003 that he not only revived his acting career but also found love.
While working on the film, Downey Jr. forged a deep connection with film producer Susan Levin. This marked a significant turning point in his life as he wholeheartedly committed to his journey of recovery. Their relationship blossomed, leading them to exchange vows in 2005. Today, they cherish a fulfilling family life together, raising their two children.
Downey Jr.’s unwavering determination to conquer addiction and rebuild his life set the stage for his greatest triumph yet: embodying the iconic character Tony Stark in Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man” and the immensely popular Avengers film franchise.
At present, Robert Downey Jr. embraces a more tranquil existence, replacing the tumultuous nights and substance-related indulgences of the past with cherished moments spent with his family in their serene Malibu abode.
At 54 years old, he attributes his wife Susan, their children, as well as practices like Eastern martial arts, yoga, and active involvement in the 12-Step program for providing vital support in his ongoing recovery and maintaining a sober lifestyle. In addition to his personal endeavors, Downey Jr. remains dedicated and focused on his career. He recently graced the screen in the film “Dolittle” and continues to collaborate with his wife at their film production company, Team Downey.
Reflecting on his transformative journey, Downey Jr. shared in a widely recognized Vanity Fair interview, celebrating a decade of sobriety at the age of 49, that as individuals age, it is natural to evolve and move beyond previous fixations.
Source: Variety
