Robert Downey Jr. credits 'Iron Man' role for 'Oppenheimer' preparation

Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo delved into their experiences within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and how those roles influenced their current endeavors.

While reminiscing about their time as Tony Stark/Iron Man and Dr. Bruce Banner/Hulk, respectively, the duo admitted to occasional bewilderment over the complex dialogues inherent in the superhero genre.

Downey revealed a surprising connection between his portrayal of Iron Man and his preparation for role in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer.

“Well, I mean, in the Marvel days, everything might change or we’re talking to a tennis ball. You and I, the science bros, we would’ve these long passages about absolute gobbledygook. But still it's important to us because we know it's important to the characters,” the Iron Man star revealed.

The acclaimed actor shared that the unique challenges faced during the Marvel days, such as delivering lengthy passages about scientific jargon or interacting with imaginary elements like tennis balls, inadvertently equipped him for the intricacies of Oppenheimer.

This unexpected synergy not only highlighted the adaptability of seasoned actors but also emphasized the diverse skills required in the industry.

Discussing his experience with Oppenheimer, Downey expressed joy and a newfound appreciation for traditional filmmaking over digital techniques.

“I found great joy in [making Oppenheimer]. It was this moment where we were shooting something in Pasadena and Nolan just put this mag of 70 millimeter [film] — they were changing out mags, and he was like, 'Hold this.' And he just put it on my lap. Yeah, I will continue to love and I’m happy to eventually in some way reengage with sci-fi fantasy. It’s got its own upside,” Robert Downey said.

Recounting a poignant moment on set with Nolan, where the director handed him a mag of 70-millimeter film, Downey conveyed his eagerness to continue engaging with the realms of science fiction and fantasy in the future.

Oppenheimer released on July 21, 2023 stars famous Hollywood faces including, Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr. Emily Blunt and many more.