The Marvel Cinematic Universe would not be around today if not for Robert Downey Jr. – not in its current state, at least.
Since first donning the Iron Man suit back in 2008, RDJ has become the beating heart (arc reactor?) of Marvel’s superhero franchise, and the back-to-back release of Infinity War and Avengers 4 will take the actor’s MCU tally to a record 10 appearances.
It’s a staggering number by anyone’s standards, and it’s fair to say that Downey Jr. now belongs in the pantheon of big-name stars synonymous with their on-screen persona – think Hugh Jackman and Logan, or even Carrie Fisher and General Leia. For many, Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark.
And though their respective characters will come to blows during Avengers: Infinity War (“let’s talk about this plan of yours. I think it’s good, except…it sucks”), Star-Lord’s Chris Pratt has nothing but praise for his Marvel co-star for the kindness and generosity he shows on set.
Man, he set a really amazing tone. He’s a bit like Tony Stark himself. I think a lot of what makes Tony Stark are the same qualities that make Downey great. I think Downey is about as rich as Tony Stark now. [Laughs] He really takes care of the actors around him in a way I’ve never seen before.
I was a little under the weather and pushing really hard on the days I was working. He came up to me and said, ‘You doing alright?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve got a little sore throat.’ Within ten minutes there was a person here giving me all these herbs and taking care of me. He offered me the use of his trailer where I could sit down and use some of his hi-tech healing gadgets. It was amazing. I’m living my best life.
It’s something Pratt hopes to pay forward as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to grow, evolve, and promote the likes of Spider-Man and Black Panther into bona fide leads – you know, if they weren’t already.
When I first arrived in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey was the first to call and tell me, ‘Hey man, welcome. If there’s anything you need, I will help. There are so few people on the planet who are going through what you’re going through right now. I have, so I’m here. I’ll always answer the phone.’
I feel completely empowered to pay it forward with Tom or Chadwick. I’m not saying that I’m senior to them, other than I got that experience of opening a movie with Marvel and being along for the ride. Now I just really feel compelled to offer them, even if it’s a fraction of what Downey was able to offer me, and just say, ‘Anything you need, you let me know.’
And it all begins on April 27th. Yes, Avengers: Infinity War is beginning to cast a big, purple shadow over theaters, and it seems ticket sales are already off the charts.
