Robert Downey Jr. on Elon Musk: Not quite Tony Stark
Actor Robert Downey Jr addressed the similarities between Elon Musk and Tony Stark, the character he portrayed in the "Iron Man" and "Avengers" movies. In the podcast "On With Kara Swisher," he shared his perspective on the eccentric billionaire.
During the conversation with Kara Swisher, Downey Jr said about Musk: "I've only met him a few times. As an almost 60-year-old recovering white American male, I just wish that he would control his behavior a little more, but that's not on me."
Throughout the interview, it was apparent that the actor was not a fan of the billionaire. "This idea of, 'It's all OK because we've got to get to Mars,' doesn't really hold water with me. But again, you know, you have to look at all that he's done that demonstrates why he's valuable," the star added.
Tony Stark's character inspired by Musk
Downey Jr. and Musk appeared together in the movie Iron Man 2 in a scene during the Monaco Grand Prix. The characters played by Downey Jr., Tony Stark, and Musk greet each other warmly there, and Musk declares, "The exciting thing to do would be some sort of electric vertical takeoff and landing supersonic jet of some kind."
In 2022, Mark Fergus, the screenwriter for Iron Man, revealed that Elon Musk inspired the film’s portrayal of Tony Stark. Speaking with New York, Fergus described Stark as a blend of Musk’s traits, Steve Jobs’ brilliance, and Donald Trump’s flair for showmanship. He noted that Stark uniquely embodies a celebrity's style and a successful businessperson's acumen.
Film about Musk
Director Darren Aronofsky is currently working on a Musk biography for A24 studio, based on an authorized book by Walter Isaacson. Although the cast has not been announced yet, Variety magazine placed Robert Downey Jr on the list of actors who would be perfect for this role.
