Welcome to #FlashbackFriday, where we look at past moments with filmmakers, actors, etc. and highlight something in cinema history that’s fascinating, amusing, perhaps something you never knew or have seen, you name it.
2018 has been a massive year for Marvel Studios, particularly this summer. As we approach the end of summer, and the impending Labor Day Weekend in the States, it’s clear that the biggest money-making season for the film industry was dominated by Marvel films, led by the $2 billion-grossing “Avengers: Infinity War.” That’s not even taking into account February’s massive “Black Panther.” But 2018 is also a time to celebrate for Marvel Studios because it marks the 10th anniversary of “Iron Man,” which jump-started Robert Downey, Jr’s career and kicking off one of the biggest film franchises in history.
READ MORE: Flashback: Danny Boyle Says He’d Never Make A ‘Bond’ Movie Because Of A Lack Of “Freedom”
So, to commemorate this occasion, this week’s #FlashbackFriday takes a look at the man who started it all, Mr. RDJ, and his first screen test as everyone’s favorite smart-ass jerk, Tony Stark. Thanks to THR, we have a screen test from 2006, showing a famous scene in the first “Iron Man,” but with a slightly different take.
Robert Downey, Jr’s take on smarmy, frankly asshole-ish Tony Stark rides a fine line between charming and despicable. In the screen test, it’s clear that RDJ hadn’t quite figured out how to venture into the charming side of the equation, and as a result, the Tony Stark presented is dark, unfunny, and downright creepy.
And when you compare to the finished film, which has almost the same exact scene, verbatim, you can see how just vocal inflections, facial expressions, and subtle changes in dialogue turn Stark from creepy billionaire into the loveable leader of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
If nothing else, it shows just how far Marvel Studios has come in 10 years, and how vital RDJ was to the whole process.
#Marvel fun fact no. 3: Robert Downey Jr.’s first crack at billionaire playboy genius Tony Stark in his screen test for the original #IronMan was somewhat insufferable and fairly dark. Watch: pic.twitter.com/v8nXyJY0lE
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) August 30, 2018