Key Takeaways:
– Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise have often found themselves up for the same roles
– Downey was initially cast as the lead in the film Gravity, but had to drop out due to challenges with the technology used
– After Downey’s departure, Cruise was considered for the role which ultimately went to George Clooney
– Cruise was also considered for the role of Iron Man before Downey landed the part, largely due to financial considerations
Casting Rivalry: Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise
The film world is no stranger to the names Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. These two global superstars have had their names and roles interlinked in a somewhat surprising pattern. Even before Downey took up the mantle of Iron Man, Cruise had been earmarked for the role, a fact that continues to feature in superhero film chatter. Soon, they both found themselves in another similar situation.
Downey vs Cruise: An Unexpected Role
Interestingly, when Downey found himself dropping out of a project mid-way, it was Cruise who was considered as his possible replacement. But, in a twist of fate, neither ended up seeing the project through to the end.
The Film that got away from Robert Downey Jr.
In a not so distant past, director Alfonso Cuarón had chosen Downey for his 2013 film, Gravity. This acclaimed sci-fi movie which starred Sandra Bullock and George Clooney ended up winning seven Oscars and was a hit with both viewers and critics. However, initially, it was Downey who had been cast in the lead role.
The Reason for Downey’s Departure
Everything seemed to go as planned until Downey began to feel uncomfortable with the technological aspects of the film. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cuarón revealed that Downey, who thrives on freedom to improvise, found the technology used in Gravity incompatible. The Iron Man star reportedly experienced claustrophobia, leading him to withdraw from the project.
The Hunt for a New Lead
After Downey’s exit, Cruise made the list of potential replacements alongside big names like Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. However, Cuarón decided on Clooney, who was eager to contribute to the project and already understood its intricacies.
Yet, it’s interesting to reflect on the repeating intersections of Cruise and Downey’s career paths, leading some to wonder how it would have been if Cruise had taken up the role of Tony Stark – a plan that was initially in the works.
Tom Cruise: The Iron Man that Almost Was
Iron Man, the character that significantly impacted the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is inseparable from Downey’s influence. It’s nearly impossible to imagine this character played by anyone else. However, it’s interesting to note that Cruise was once considered to fill in the shoes of the superhero.
The Grounds for the Casting Shift
While this might be a shock to some, for avid Marvel fans, the idea of Tom Cruise as Iron Man isn’t entirely new. Having said that, the exact reason behind the casting shift isn’t widely known. According to the book The Reign of Marvel Studios, the reason for the switch was mostly financial. Cruise was too expensive an option, at a time when even profitable studios were hesitant to gamble on untested superhero properties. Therefore, the casting team looked towards rising stars leading them to Downey, a decision that arguably transformed the MCU forever.
In Summary
From Gravity to Iron Man, the intersecting career paths of Downey and Cruise reveal the intrigue and volatility of Hollywood casting. Struck out of one film due to unique technical challenges, Downey found his legacy in another, while Cruise narrowly missed out on two iconic roles. Downey and Cruise’s intertwining casting story will undoubtedly remain a fascinating piece of Hollywood trivia. The echo of this tale further proves that some aspects of filmmaking are just as unpredictable off camera as they are in front of it.
