In the current movie landscape, there's only a handful of people who could play a role for years and make it look not tired at all. One of the most iconic actors and characters that have become culturally relevant is Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, who viewers finally saw an end to in this year's "Logan." Jackman played the role for 17 years, spanning eight films. Another actor on the heels of Jackman is Robert Downey Jr., whose role as Tony Stark does not seem to lose his luster. Downey Jr. will be reprising his role once again in this week's "Spider-Man: Homecoming," in which the Avenger welcomes the teenage Peter Parker into the fold.
Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark has appeared in three "Iron Man" films, two "Avengers" films, and "Captain America: Civil War" so far, upping the tally to seven, including "Homecoming." He's also set to appear in "Avengers: Infinity War" and the fourth untitled "Avengers film," and rumors say that Marvel is looking to create a fourth "Iron Man" film as well. The question now lies: When and how will Downey Jr. retire his role, if the studio keeps making him come back for more?
'Iron Man' and 'Avengers' let Robert Downey Jr. spend more time with his family
Despite the busy schedules of a large franchise such as "Iron Man" and "Avengers," Robert Downey Jr. admitted that these types of films let him be a dad and spend time with his two young children.
He told News Corp Australia Network that his schedule is now "very conducive to having children." Looking at his schedule for the next couple of years, it seems that Downey Jr. is booked solely for Marvel. But he admits that he never wants to overstay like an unwanted guest.
Academy Award nominee wants to retire the character before it's 'embarrassing'
This year's "Logan" was a massive success and an excellent bow for Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. Robert Downey Jr. recognizes that he can't keep playing a character forever, and said that "I just want to hang up my jersey before it's embarrassing," E!
News reported. But it seems that Marvel has other things in mind. In fact, the Russo Brothers, who are directing the next two "Avengers" films, do recognize the immense talent of the 52-year old actor, who surprisingly hasn't won an Academy Award just yet. Joe Russo admitted to Forbes last year that Downey Jr.'s close up is "worth another actor's entire performance" because he's ".incredibly gifted and insanely talented." In this case, it seems that box office numbers trump awards, as Marvel films are known to reap in the cash when it comes to the theaters. But Downey Jr. has in fact been nominated twice for an Academy Award. The first was for the Best Actor category in the 1992 film "Chaplin," and again for the Best Supporting Actor category for 2008's "Tropic Thunder."
For now, fans can catch Robert Downey Jr. in the latest Marvel offering, "Spider-Man: Homecoming," which arrives this Friday, July 7, and reunites him with his "Only You" co-star, Marisa Tomei.
