Why Robert Downey Jr.’s Cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine Didn’t Happen

Why Robert Downey Jr.'s Cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine Didn't Happen

As a long-time Marvel fan and avid follower of the industry, I cannot help but express my deepest regret at missing out on Robert Downey Jr.’s cameo as Iron Man in Deadpool & Wolverine. Having watched Downey’s transformation from a troubled actor to the iconic Tony Stark, it would have been an absolute delight to see him share the screen with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool once more.


The following article contains spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr., famously known for portraying Tony Stark/Iron Man for over a decade, was set to make a brief appearance in the upcoming film featuring Deadpool and Wolverine. Given that the movie is already packed with cameos, the inclusion of Iron Man would have only added to its epicness. However, it seems Downey has some significant plans in the pipeline, as you might be aware.

As a long-time fan of Marvel movies and having grown up watching Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Iron Man, I was genuinely excited to hear about the potential cameo of Downey as Iron Man in the Shawn Levy film based on the Deadpool and Wolverine universe. However, hearing that his performance didn’t make it through production due to certain unspecified reasons left me feeling a bit disappointed. It would have been an incredible addition to the movie, especially since Wade’s interview to become an Avenger was pivotal in the storyline. Nevertheless, I trust Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick’s judgment as co-writers of Deadpool and previous Deadpool movies, and I am eagerly awaiting further updates on this intriguing project.

In an interview with IndieWire, it was disclosed that during Wade’s conversation with Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) was also present. Wernick explained, “We had intended for him to make a cameo. We had scripted the scene to begin with Happy and Downey.” Reese added that during filming, Ryan Reynolds read the scene not only with Favreau but also with Downey, in an attempt to secure both actors’ roles since they work well together and were all part of the same scene.

During the typical script revisions, Reynolds might have been rehearsing scenes with the entire cast, unbeknownst to them, Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom was kept secret. Wernick explains: “Backstage, we were clueless about Doctor Doom. There’s no way he could have played both roles… Ryan put the pressure on him. We drafted scenes for Downey to read, but we didn’t know about the Doctor Doom secret behind the scenes.”

As a long-time fan of both Marvel comics and films, I can tell you that I was thrilled when the Iron Man cameo was initially announced for the film we were working on. Having grown up reading about Tony Stark’s adventures, I couldn’t wait to see how the character would be brought to life on the big screen. However, after delving deep into the script and discussing it with the rest of the team, we came to the conclusion that the cameo would have felt out of place in our story. We decided to scrap the idea, opting instead for a more cohesive narrative that would resonate better with our audience. In hindsight, I believe this was the right decision, as it allowed us to create a stronger, more impactful film.

The portrayal was similar as he turned down Wade and cited his lack of team spirit or something along those lines, casting doubts on his teamwork skills. Essentially, it wasn’t much different from what you witnessed, but with two characters instead of one. From the beginning, Jon [Favreau] was associated with it. It all worked out wonderfully, though we would have preferred Downey. However, Marvel had a trump card up their sleeve: they planned to bring him back as a different character soon after Doctor Doom appeared. So, having him as Tony Stark in this scenario didn’t seem logical.

Deadpool & Wolverine: An Effective and Subversive Change

Why Robert Downey Jr.'s Cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine Didn't HappenWhy Robert Downey Jr.'s Cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine Didn't HappenWhy Robert Downey Jr.'s Cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine Didn't HappenWhy Robert Downey Jr.'s Cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine Didn't HappenWhy Robert Downey Jr.'s Cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine Didn't Happen

The team-up of Deadpool and Wolverine has demonstrated numerous aspects for Disney and those involved in merging some of the entertainment industry’s top intellectual properties. This movie became a reality thanks to the studio’s daring decision to incorporate the raunchiest superhero into their most lucrative franchise. Consequently, we have a film that is nearing the $1 billion mark at the box office. One crucial query is how, and the solution could reside in Ryan Reynolds’ unique portrayal of the cherished character, which might not have resonated with critics initially due to its originality.

In this rephrased version, let’s explore how the unique blend of Deadpool and Wolverine, characterized by their bold, contentious style, frequent celebrity appearances, and frequent breaking of the fourth wall, can be discussed. However, the writers have hinted at potential additional elements that might have been incorporated into the film, particularly during the scene where Wade is being interviewed. As Wernick explains, “An earlier version of that scene didn’t even make it to the script, but was conceptualized, featuring all the Avengers in the room. In classic Deadpool fashion, Wade would have berated and criticized each one of them.”

Instead of becoming enraged and physically assaulting every individual brutally, he intended to do so. Moreover, it was clearly indicated that he aimed to lift Thor’s hammer. This detail wasn’t missed out.

Read More

2024-08-09 22:01