Robert Downey Jr. will re-join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the all-powerful villain Doctor Doom, but he’s still grateful for his time as the hero Tony Stark. Downey recently reflected on what his time as the character taught him.
Screen Rant reported that at one of this year’s SXSW panels, Downey talked about being grateful for the role as Marvel’s Iron Man. “17 years I’ve been associated with this iconic superhero…,” he said. “It’s the message he represents that I’m grateful for. Tony Stark opened my eyes wider to the power technology has to impact the world for good, and that’s something I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Iron Man was released in 2008 as the very first film in the MCU. It was directed by Jon Favreau, with Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow co-starring alongside Downey. The movie launched the MCU, grossing over $585 million and picking up two Academy Award nominations. Two sequels followed, Iron Man 2 (2010) and Iron Man 3 in 2013.
![’17 Years I’ve Been Associated With [Iron Man]’: Robert Downey Jr. Reflects On Playing the MCU’s Tony Stark](/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/robert-downey-jr-as-iron-man-in-marvel-cinematic-universe-120x86.avif)