Christopher Nolan calls Robert Downey Jr’s casting as Iron Man ‘one of the most consequential decisions in cinema history’

“You are looking for some kind of generosity. He (RDJ) has this incredible generosity of spirit. It means when he’s in a scene with other people, he makes sure they are all doing their best, that they are all able to bring their best to the table. He helps them clarify those emotional connections,” Variety quoted the director as saying.

Oppenheimer bagged five Golden Globe Awards, including Best Director for Christopher Nolan and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. (Image: Robert Downey Jr/Facebook)

“I have always wanted to work with him. 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. I wanted to give him the opportunity to lose himself in a part, lose himself in another human being the way great actors love him,” Nolan added. Iron Man (2008), starring RDJ in the lead role, was the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and the film’s unexpected success altered the course of the film industry, leading to the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Downey himself had recently reflected on his portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man and pointed out that the Marvel films featured of the best acting of his career. “But, it went a little bit unnoticed because of the genre,” he said on Rob Lowe’s “Literally” podcast last month. Downey recently revealed that he had always wanted to work with Nolan as well, and that he was in contention to play Scarecrow in Batman Begins. The role eventually went to Cillian Murphy, who plays the lead in Oppenheimer.

While Oppenheimer bagged five Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, at the recently held ceremony, it also earned RDJ the trophy for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture. The 96th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, on March 10.