Confident but vigilant about the future of Marvel
Downey Jr., who played Tony Stark/Iron Man for over a decade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, expressed confidence in the franchise's current leadership, saying they wouldn't attempt to recreate his character without him . However, he is much more skeptical about the intentions of future Hollywood leaders, insisting that he wants to prevent any digital exploitation of his image after his death. He is therefore not worried about the use of his image for the moment, nor for his immediate health, but he says he is ready to actively defend his rights in the face of developments in the industry.
A position taken in the context of debates on AI
Recent advances in AI-based actor replicas are sparking much debate in the entertainment industry. Examples, such as the resurrection of several actors in different Star Wars films and series, show how this technology can be used to extend the presence of deceased actors. Downey Jr., however, insists that his own image will not be subject to such practices, emphasizing that he does not want to see his soul
of character exploited beyond his will.
A return to the MCU in a new role
In parallel with this position, Downey Jr. is preparing to return to the Marvel universe, but this time in the shoes of the emblematic character of Doctor Doom. This role in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for 2026, will mark a turning point for the actor, who will play a leading villain after having long been one of the heroes of the MCU. His fee, estimated at $100 million for this project, shows how important and profitable his image is for the franchise..
A commitment to ethical AI
And yet, Robert Downey Jr. has invested in several AI-related initiatives. Precisely, with this knowledge of the subject, he insists on the importance of ethical and controlled use of this technology, including in cinema. What do you think of this positioning? Do you understand it?
