The actor says his 10-year run with the iconic character was creatively satisfying, but he has to move on now
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 14, 2020)

“I am Iron Man”. These words are considered holy by the fans of the superhero world. Credited for bringing one of the most popular comic book characters, Iron Man, to life, Robert Downey Jr made us fall in love with superhero films all over again. The 55-year-old, who is also the brand ambassador of OnePlus, has been in the industry for about five decades, and says that he’s “eternally grateful” to be where he is today.

A lot has been spoken about your character Tony Stark and Iron Man. Was it, at any point, a difficult project to pick up?
Each project is different. Playing Tony/Iron Man was hard and I dug deep. I had an incredible 10-year run that was creatively satisfying.

How much of Robert Downey Jr is still Tony Stark?
Some would think so as I’m doing tech-based climate solutions with my FootPrint Coalition and my technology focused YouTube original, The Age of AI, but I believe in aesthetic distance. I’m not Tony.

Has it been easy to come out of the character that you have lived with for about 10 years?
I’ve done all I could with that character and can do other things now. Being middle-aged, you start looking back and realise this is all part of the journey and things end. I am fortunate and eternally grateful to have wound up where I have.

As a global icon, how important is it to set the right example for fans across the globe?
I believe in this completely. I’ve the best fans in the world and I aim to utilise my platform for good.

Tell us about your relationship with India. What do you have to say to your Indian fans?
They’re amazing and I cannot thank them enough for their support. I still can’t believe that I’ve never visited India in person and I cannot wait to plan a trip.

According to you, how have you transformed as an actor and as an individual over the years?
I had an incredible 10-year run as Iron Man which pushed me creatively. I now have tonnes more ambition to do things I haven’t done before. Evolving is key — the worst thing you can do is get in your own way. Just in the matter of me wanting to be a fit father, husband and citizen, it’d be irresponsible to not keep my eye ahead to prepare my mind for the transition and what’s to come. Every time I get a script now, I think about the commitment and time I’d be away from my missus and kiddos.