Robert Downey Jr. Talks 'Iron Man' And How It Almost Never Happened

By Access HollywoodMay 7, 2008, 2:31 pm PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- After starting out the summer with a box office bang, Robert Downey Jr. stopped by Access Hollywood to talk about the success of "Iron Man," the upcoming sequel and how he almost didn't get a chance to suit up in Tony Stark's armor.

Robert, who had to work hard to land the lead in "Iron Man," attributed his success to his tenacity and determination.

[ Robert Downey Jr. Talks 'Iron Man' Success - Play it Now ]

"I thought I would be perfect for the part. But, they weren't necessarily thinking of me right away," he told Access Hollywood's Billy Bush. "Jon [Favreau, the director] said, 'Look it's probably not going to happen.' And I said, 'Well listen, I'm not going to give up.' Which is kind of unlike me. Usually I'd be like, 'I don't want to embarrass myself.'"

Throwing caution to the wind paid off for Robert. "Iron Man" opened at the top of the weekend box office, raking in a Tony Stark-worthy haul of over $100 million, which leads to the obvious question of a sequel for "Iron Man."

[ Scenes From 'Iron Man' - Check Out the Photos ]

"I'm really proud of what Jon and I did, and the fact that Gwyneth (who he affectionately refers to as "Iron Woman") and Terrence, and Jeff Bridges all showed up for this movie," he told Access. "And [I'm] certain that all of us will be back to reprise our roles. It's cool. It's kind of like a really big a** series."

In fact, Robert is already thinking about the physical preparations needed for "Iron Man 2."

[ All Access: Iron Man - Geek Chic - Movies - Celebrities ]

"I'm 43, I used to work out for six weeks and I look good for six years," he said. "Now, I work out for six months, and I look good for six minutes. By the time the other one comes out I'll be 45, this is going to start getting really ridiculous!"

Regardless of upcoming sequels, Robert is taking time to enjoy the perks of playing a successful super hero in Hollywood.

[ Gwyneth Paltrow On Being 'Iron Man's' Leading Lady - Play it Now ]

"I ran into Tobey [Maguire] at the Lakers game. I had floor seats that Brad Grey gave me from Paramount," he said. "Tobey's showing me the lay of the land."

Robert is also reveling in his chance to play an unassuming super hero, like Laker buddy Tobey does in "Spiderman", saying, "We're like maybe nerds even. Mild nerd factor here."

[ Fan Candy - Check Out the Photos ]

As for the possibility of an "Iron Man" trilogy, Robert was mum, but said whatever happens, he plans to bring his best.

"I'm just stoked standing here talking about the first one having done so well," Robert said. "Jon and I will roll up our sleeves and do what we do best together, which is kind of recreate the platform for the character to evolve."

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comments

comments 1-10 of 17  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest
  • Isk8ur
    Iron man was a kickass movie! He look good in the movie, too!
    report abuseposted May 30, 2008, 6:34 pm PDT
  • jeany
    i just love robert downey jr!HE DID A GREAR JOB ON THE MOVIE.. I LIKE HIS COOL CHARACTER AND HOW HE PORTRAYS IT..REAL FUN AND ENTERTAINING.OUR WHOLE FAMILY IS WAITING FOR THE NEXT SEQUEL..
    report abuseposted May 10, 2008, 5:22 pm PDT
  • Greg
    Robert Downey Jr Loves Crack! The Crack of my BUTT! 'HA HA HA HA HA' he is so on drugs!
    report abuseposted May 10, 2008, 8:39 am PDT
  • Greg
    I saw the movie. It was great. But, face it, he's back on Crack! CRACK IS WACK!
    report abuseposted May 9, 2008, 5:01 pm PDT
  • Naboo Lover
    Give it up Greg!! RDJ is not back on drugs. He was awesome in Iron Man and I look forward to the sequel. :-)
    report abuseposted May 7, 2008, 4:42 pm PDT
  • Mare
    I am so glad to see Robert Downey Jr. turn his life around the way he has now has a No. 1 movie.
    report abuseposted May 7, 2008, 4:14 pm PDT
  • Linda S
    sexy indeed! loved the movie! those little things made the movie kick ass. Miss Potts and Mr. Stark were cute and original!
    report abuseposted May 7, 2008, 3:53 pm PDT
  • Joker
    BEST MOVIE EVER!!! and to the people that think he back on drugs Shame on you ! Don't be Jealous of the raw talent :) Hater! You are just mad cause you can't afford to go see the movie Maybe you could use your stimulus check to see the awsome that is Robert Downey Jr.
    report abuseposted May 7, 2008, 3:53 pm PDT
  • bigbrotherded
    Hey both Robert Downey Jr and Tony Stark (from the comics) live similar lifestyles. Both had/have drug and alcohol addictions and both have the playboyish and arrogant demeanor. He was perfect for the part and I'm sorry to inform all the negative types, but the cast has already inked committments for the next Iron Man movie. Plus there will be a tie in with the HULK, SHIELD, and the AV
    report abuseposted May 7, 2008, 3:40 pm PDT
  • Greg
    Robert Downey Jr. LOVES DRUGS! No more sequels, just sweet, sweet escape!
    report abuseposted May 7, 2008, 3:19 pm PDT
comments 1-10 of 17  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest

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