Movies - TV
The Hollywood Actor Marvel Wanted For Iron Man Before Robert Downey Jr.
By MICHAEL BOYLE
As far as pivotal movie roles go, few can match Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and “Iron Man.” Being cast in the franchise was a clear sign yet that his troubled days were over.
However, before Downey Jr. had the chance to fully prove himself as a reliable leading man, there was another talented actor who nearly got the role.
As Marvel president Kevin Feige recalled in a 2023 commencement speech, "We pinpointed the right guy, and we extended an offer to our top choice.” The “right guy” was Clive Owen.
"He passed. He was not interested," Feige said, using the anecdote as a lesson to grad college students about how sometimes not getting what you want can work out for the best.