Christopher Nolan Says Robert Downey Jr.'s Casting as Iron Man Is Historic in the Movie Business

Christopher Nolan recently appeared on The Late Show and while on the show he praised Robert Downey Jr., who recently starred in Oppenheimer. The actor is up for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in the film.

Nolan was also a huge fan of the actor in the role of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, and explained that Downey Jr. being cast in that role was historic and one for the ages. The director said:

“I’ve always wanted to work with him. I’ve always seen that in his work, and he has such charisma as Tony Stark. Him playing Iron Man is one of the most consequential casting decisions that’s ever been made in the history of the movie business.”

That’s a bold statement, but you know what? It’s hard to argue with it because he’s right. Downey Jr. was the perfect casting for Tony Stark! Nolan went on to talk about the kind of actor that Downey Jr. and his generosity of spirit, explaining:

“You’re looking for some kind of generosity. He has this incredible generosity of spirit. It means when he’s in a scene with other people he’s making sure they are all doing their best, that they are all able to bring their best to the table. He’s helping them clarify those emotional connections.”

At one point, Nolan met with Downey Jr. for the role of Scarecrow in Batman Begins. While Nolan wanted to work with him, he obviously felt that he wasn’t right for that role. Downey Jr. recalled that meeting: “I remember meeting for tea, and I was like, ‘He doesn’t seem like he’s really leaning in on this interview.’ And he was polite and all that, but I mean, you know, you can tell when someone is kind of like, ‘It’s not gonna go your way.’”

Do you agree with Nolan’s comments regarding Downey Jr.’s casting as Iron Man?