When we think of Iron Man and Tony Stark, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Robert Downey Jr. donning the iconic suit of armor. However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could have taken a very different turn, with Tom Cruise once in consideration for the role. The new book “MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios” sheds light on this fascinating piece of casting history, providing insight into why Cruise didn’t land the part.
A Journey Back to the 90s: Tom Cruise’s Near Casting
The 1990s were a tumultuous time for superhero films, with the genre yet to establish itself as a box office juggernaut. When the rights to Iron Man were held by 20th Century Fox, Tom Cruise was a name thrown into the hat for the role of Tony Stark. However, Marvel Studios head, Kevin Feige, revealed that Cruise’s asking fee was a significant barrier. In a candid moment, Feige shared, “Cruise’s asking fee at the time was more than even a profitable studio like Fox was willing to risk on an untested superhero property.” This was a time when superhero films were seen as risky investments, a sentiment intensified by the critical and commercial failure of 1997’s “Batman & Robin.”
The Evolution of Iron Man: Casting on a Budget
Fast forward to the 2000s, and Marvel Studios found itself in a precarious financial situation, unable to afford the hefty price tag of an A-list actor like Cruise for Iron Man. This paved the way for other actors to be considered, including Jim Caviezel and Timothy Olyphant, the latter being the favored choice among many. Interestingly, director Jon Favreau had initially set his sights on Sam Rockwell for the role. However, everything changed when Robert Downey Jr. entered the scene.
Robert Downey Jr.: A Perfect Fit for Tony Stark
Robert Downey Jr.’s journey to becoming Tony Stark was far from smooth, with his personal struggles mirroring those of the fictional billionaire. Favreau saw this as an asset, believing that Downey’s real-life experiences would bring authenticity to the role. Screenwriter Matt Holloway even quoted Favreau as saying, “It’s going to be him or it’s going to be me,” highlighting the director’s conviction in Downey’s suitability for the part.
Robert Downey Jr. on his last day as Iron Man 😔 pic.twitter.com/H6XDo7p0RO
— Marvel Facts (@MarveIFacts) October 17, 2023
A Cultural Phenomenon: Tony Stark’s Legacy
Robert Downey Jr. ultimately won the role, transforming into Tony Stark and delivering a performance that resonated with audiences worldwide. He became the cornerstone of the MCU, appearing in ten films and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. His portrayal of Tony Stark has become so iconic that fans continue to pay tribute to the character, particularly on the anniversary of his canonical death in the MCU.
Iron Man, the film that started it all, is now available for streaming on Disney+, allowing new generations of fans to witness the performance that helped define a cinematic era.
Conclusion: Marvel’s Lucky Escape
Looking back, Marvel’s financial constraints and the decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. over Tom Cruise seem like a serendipitous twist of fate. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of casting in Hollywood, and how sometimes, a gamble on an unconventional choice can pay off in ways no one could have imagined. The MCU might have been a very different place with Cruise as Stark, but as history shows, Robert Downey Jr. was the perfect man for the job.
