Robert Downey Jr. Confirms 'Iron Man 4' Plus AMA Highlights Regarding 'Sherlock 3, 'Doctor Who,' 'Avengers Age Of Ultron'
Back and forth we go with Iron Man 4. Robert Downey Jr. isn't doing it, then he's maybe doing it, then he'll do it if Mel Gibson directs, then joked he'll do it if Howard Stern directs. Honestly, there's so much out there about the film, no one knows for sure what's happening.
That was, until, Downey Jr. hit the couch on Ellen. When asked about Iron Man 4, Downey told the host that "Yes," Iron Man 4 is happening.
Below, you can watch that video as well as read a ton of highlights from his recent AMA including teases that he'd love to cameo on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, updates on the development of Sherlock Holmes 3 and a Perry Mason film, possibly playing Doctor Who, the shift in marketing for The Judge, the likelihood of a Weird Science sequel, a few cryptic Avengers: Age of Ultron teases and the controversy of his Tropic Thunder character. Read the Robert Downey Jr AMA highlights below.
Here's the video of Robert Downey Jr. confirming Iron Man 4 on Ellen:
And here are the highlights of the Robert Downey Jr AMA. You can read the full thing here, just his answers here, and the full context of each of the below quotes at the link in the sub-headline.
On that Iron Man 4 Mel Gibson statement:
It was an offhanded remark to a journalist and friend. I have other projects in mind for Mel and I – sooner than later the Marvel Roster will be made public and all questions will be answered.
On a possible Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D cameo (this too):
Nothing is impossible [italics]. But there might be a fair amount of red tape involved in something like that. I love Clark Gregg, and am pleased the show is doing so well.
Teasing Joss Whedon's tag in Avengers: Age of Ultron:
I remember shooting that shawarma post-credit scene, and having just finished Avengers: Age of Ultron, wondered how we'd beat it. Joss says "The way to win is to not try."
Did he ever think Iron Man would become what it is?
It was beyond my comprehension for the first 2 years. And now I see it as a logical, lucky, entertaining piece of history.
Who is his favorite superhero?
My 2 year old is fond of Hawkeye, so just for today, he'll top my list.
Will he wear more rock shirts in Avengers: Age of Ultron?
Get ready for Avengers: Age of Ultron – I take the t-shirts in a different direction. More iconic.
What's the latest on Sherlock Holmes 3?
Yes, we have a Sherlock 3 in development. We want it to be the best of the series, so that's a pretty tall order. Also,Perry Mason is a property I'm looking forward to developing further, going back to the 1931 book series...similarly to what we did with the first 2 Sherlocks, mining the original material for things that are "new."
Has he seen the Sherlock TV show?
Very impressed with Benedict. Such smart writing on that show. I have screen envy.
Would he play Doctor Who?
It's funny you'd bring that up. A writer asked me to watch a particular episode about a month ago, in hopes of helping us break story on a project. An incredible series. Anything's possible.
Did marketing for The Judge change from dramatic to comedic?
Over the course of lead-up to releasing The Judge, the audiences were telling us that yes, the evocative, dramatic aspects of the film were primarily what was holding their attention, however as our test scores were going higher and higher, much of that was due to the giddy dispersion of moments of laughter and release, situations and characters who behaved in a funny manner. And so Team Downey and the studio decided it was natural to lean into that. At its core, you could call it a drama. It's a surprisingly humorous movie. In other words, it's not a bleak nihilistic downer. It's quite uplifting.
More on Perry Mason?
The Perry Mason project we're developing is kind of a pre-"Chinatown" gumshoe thriller with some courtroom stakes, and action sequences. So you've got one in the pipes, just for you.
On his controversial character from Tropic Thunder:
Fortunately, it's about an affably self-important white guy who thinks he understands the "black experience." It was so wrong and outrageous that it was forgivable. But I certainly was happy to hear from my African-American friends that they were okay with it, and some of them even delighted in telling me what relative it reminded them of. Somebody just told me just the other day that they're convinced that I was channeling Wesley Snipes. He's a pretty cool customer, so I don't want to presume I would be up to the task.
What historical character would he like to play?
Hard to say. I suspect when this superhero stuff gets tired, I'll look for a historical character and dig deeper than ever. And then I bet Al Pacino will win that year anyway.
What non-profits does he like? Shout out to Cinefamily.
One is Cinefamily, it's a really cool theater and group of aficionados, and some of the best programming in the country. Also, Scott Budnick, the producer of the Hangover series, has launched ARC, the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, aimed at education being the bridge between incarceration and re-entry.
Will you please say there's a 100% chance of a Weird Science sequel?
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT. You're welcome.
Memories from Back to School?
Rodney Dangerfield was a true original. Extremely kind. Wickedly funny. Forget the costumes – I had more gelatine in my hair than you'd use for 100 bowls of Jell-O! You could literally bounce a tennis ball off my hair. It was crispy – it turned into, like, they were like bamboo horns. It was the best.
How many of his Avengers one-liners are improved?
I'd say about half and half. Oftentimes, on the day, they'll scribble out a bunch of alternatives, and see which one works best in the edit.
What's your rapper name?
R2D2