Robert Downey Jr. has been around the Marvel Cinematic Universe for so long, that we’ve seen Tony Stark/Iron Man go from leading franchise hero, to becoming one of the moral voices of The Avengers, and a mentor to new recruit Spider-Man. Still, even if Iron Man likely won’t to be getting another solo movie, it’s difficult to imagine the Marvel Cinematic Universe without Tony Stark being somewhere near front and center, however, Downey Jr. is aware of the consequences of overstaying his welcome.
Speaking with News.com.au, the actor revealed that he’s always thinking about his place in the MCU, and whether or not he needs to move on, but credits the immense the talent that keeps coming on board with keeping him intrigued.
“It’s this cyclical thing,” he explained. “I could have said when the first ‘Avengers‘ came out: ‘It’s never going to get any better than that. Everybody stop.’ But to me it’s always about people and opportunities, like the [‘Avengers’ directors Anthony and Joe] Russo, who I adore.”
READ MORE: ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ Sequel To Begin “A Few Minutes” After ‘Avengers 4’ Ends
“Everyone says to me it’s like a glove that fits so well. I have to start over every time but I am starting over with a pretty solid base. I just never want to blow it for the last six or seven (MCU movies) I have done by dropping the ball because I decided to go do it one more time. I just want to hang up my jersey before it’s embarrassing,” he added.
One thing that Downey Jr. isn’t mentioning, of course, are the piles of money he’s earned from Marvel. Thanks to a healthy slice of backend profits, Downey Jr. walked away from “The Avengers” with $50 million, and the studio had to resign the actor prior to “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” because his contract was up, and that surely cost a pretty penny. Marvel has treated Downey Jr. pretty good, and it doesn’t look like audiences are going to be staying away from Marvel movies anytime soon.
Downey Jr. next appears in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” which opens on Friday. [via ScreenRant]
