The journey of Robert Downey Jr. from Hollywood outcast to superhero icon is the stuff of dreams. However, it seems that he could have joined the world of superheroes a little earlier as the villain of a popular DC movie.
Downey Jr. became one of the biggest stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to his appearance as Iron Man from 2008 to 2019. Although it is hard to imagine him appearing in any other comic book role and gaining the same acclaim, it seems that he almost appeared in the role of Scarecrow in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins, but was turned down for the role, which eventually went to his Oppenheimer costar, Cillian Murphy.
While appearing at an American Cinematheque panel (as shared by Griffin Schiller on X), Downey Jr. recalled meeting with Nolan about the role.
While the character of Scarecrow would give Murphy one of his biggest career breaks, Downey Jr.'s career trajectory ended up taking him in a different direction just three years later with his casting as Tony Stark in Iron Man. As the role that would become the foundation of the MCU, Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Stark became one of the most iconic in the superhero genre, so much so that even five years after his departure from the franchise, talk of his possible return is still constantly discussed on social media.
Despite their earlier connections, it was only in 2023’s Oppenheimer that Robert Downey Jr, Cillian Murphy, and Christopher Nolan were able to combine their talents, and it was certainly worth the weight. With all three nominated for Academy Awards, and furthermore all expected to walk away with the Oscar on the night, the story of Oppenheimer is one that has captured the attention more than most big blockbuster superhero movies, and proved that in the right circumstances any movie can find itself soaring up the box office charts.
When it comes to its box office success, Oppenheimer received a little help from Barbie, thanks to their synchronized release dates, but in terms of critical acclaim and award nominations, it has stood on its own merit. Having already scooped numerous awards at the Critic’s Choice and Golden Globe ceremonies, all eyes are now on the Oscars, which could land Downey Jr., Murphy, and Nolan their first Academy Awards.
Although there are never any complete certainties when it comes to the Oscars, there is high expectation that Oppenheimer could sweep the board in the top categories. Naturally, there is some tough competition, with Nolan up against Martin Scorsese for Best Director, Murphy battling with Paul Giamatti for Best Actor, and Downey Jr. taking on veteran Robert De Niro and Barbie’s Ryan Gosling for Best Supporting Actor.
All will be revealed at the 96th Academy Awards ceremony on March 10, 2024.
