Iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow join forces for the first time on screen in the hugely successful blockbuster, Marvel’s The Avengers.
The film’s story follows Nick Fury – director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D. – as he initiates a daring, globe-spanning recruitment effort to assemble the world’s mightiest Super Heroes together to defeat an unexpected enemy threatening global safety and security.
Despite pulling together the ultimate dream team, Nick Fury and longtime confidant Agent Coulson must find a way to convince the Super Heroes to work with, not against each other, when the powerful and dangerous Loki gains access to the Cosmic Cube and its unlimited power.
With the Blu-ray and DVD of "Marvel’s The Avengers" about to be released, we chat with actor Robert Downey Jr. – who plays Iron Man and his alter ego Tony Stark in the movie – to find out more…
How long have you known Marvel’s The Avengers was going to happen?
Back in 2007, when I was cast in Iron Man, producer Kevin Feige said to me, “You know what? This is all going to lead to somewhere… We’re going to do something unprecedented in entertainment and we’re going to make an Avengers movie. We’re going to bring all of the franchises together.
What went through your mind when you heard that news?
I would get nervous and excited about it, but then I’d get doubtful. By the time Chris [Hemsworth] and Chris [Evans] had launched their individual Super Hero franchises with success and charisma, and by the time we had Mark [Ruffalo] for the Hulk, I realized, ‘Wow, this is really going to happen.’ And I was incredibly excited.
How much did you enjoy sharing the spotlight with the other Super Hero actors of "Marvel’s The Avengers"?
It was nice to not really have to carry a movie. I think everyone really, really, really, really is equal in this venture. That’s wonderful. It’s great. You know what? The real die-hard fans, of which I’m an honorary member, have been wondering and imagining if something like "The Avengers" was ever going to happen. They get their wish this year.
How would you describe Iron Man’s alter ego, Tony Stark, at the start of the movie’s story?
Tony Stark is open to all possibilities. He has no problem accepting extraordinary happenings. Joining the Avengers team is an act of curiosity; he wants to see what’s happening firsthand. He is beginning to understand that it’s about a group mindset and that ‘we’ is better than ‘I’.
What do you like the most about Tony Stark? What makes him so special to you as a character?
I like the fact that Tony Stark didn’t really set out to do anything noble. He’s in transition, so there’s something a little more Han Solo than Luke Skywalker to him. I also like the fact that he can pull off wearing a Black Sabbath T-shirt for the better part of the film!
Did you get to keep any of Tony Stark’s Black Sabbath T-shirts?
I’ll tell you this: I walked off set with one of the Black Sabbath T-shirts. Do you know where I put it? I’ve mis-located it. It’s like mis-remembering!
What was life like on the set of "Marvel’s The Avengers"?
The scope of this movie became so big with all these Super Heroes with all these different needs. Whenever we shot scenes with everyone together, it was hard to not be awestruck by the fact that it had actually been accomplished.
What was your most memorable moment during filming?
The first time we’re all assembled on the bridge [of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier] together stands out for me. It’s the first time you see the characters react with each other and it’s a really interesting scene in the movie.
What do you think of Super Heroes like Captain America and the actor, Chris Evans, who plays him in the movie?
I’m extremely fond of Chris Evans and I think he is one of the most underrated actors out there. I watch him and I think to myself, ‘Here is a guy who is wearing a stretchy American flag suit and I absolutely believe him. How is he doing this?’ The other thing I love about Chris is that he’s this tough guy from Boston, but he also is a sensitive artist who really has an opinion.
Do you have many scenes with Chris Evans in the movie?
Our characters are very connected because [Captain America’s alter ego] Steve Rogers was close with [Tony’s Stark’s father] Howard Stark. If Steve Rogers and Tony Stark’s relationship doesn’t work, then the film doesn’t work.
Is it true that it was your idea to include Pepper Potts [played by Gwyneth Paltrow] in "Marvel’s The Avengers"?
When we were in the first of several iterations of the storyline, the only thing I was sure about was that Tony Stark needed backup. I said to ["Marvel’s The Avengers" writer and director] Joss and [producer] Kevin [Feige], “We really need Pepper to be involved in some way.” I felt like it’s been a while since we have seen Tony and Pepper, and they have grown to be pretty close and it just makes sense that she would have some kind of influence over his decision to join the Avengers team.
What do you think of the humor of "Marvel’s The Avengers"?
I think Joss Whedon did a great job with the humor. What everybody captured for their character was exactly the right tone. At a certain point, without killing it, you tip your hat and we didn’t take it too seriously because this is essentially a comic book movie, but you buy into the reality of it. I think everyone has their moment in the movie and Joss did a good job of finding everyone’s frequency.
How does it feel to play Iron Man?
People have been so kind and warm and receptive to the idea of this complicated guy who ends up in extraordinary situations. I’m incredibly grateful for the support. It’s been great, and I look forward to playing him again.
"The Avengers" is already out on Blueray and DVD.
