Robert Downey Jr. recently addressed the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Hollywood and made it clear that he isn’t concerned about Marvel creating an AI likeness of him. The actor, who is best known for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), shared his thoughts during an interview on the On with Kara Swisher podcast.
“How do I feel about everything that’s going on? I feel about it minimally,” Downey said, explaining that his personal life takes precedence over these issues.
However, when the conversation turned specifically to Marvel, Downey expressed confidence that the studio wouldn’t misuse his image. “I’m not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul,” he said. “There are only a few people making decisions there, and they would never do that to me, with or without my involvement.”
Swisher suggested that future executives might think differently and could be tempted to exploit his image through AI. Downey humorously responded, “And I’d like to state that I plan to sue all future executives—just on spec.”
When Swisher reminded him that one day he would no longer be around, the actor quipped, “My law firm will still be very active.”
Downey’s MCU Legacy and His Surprising Return
Downey’s portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man became a cornerstone of the MCU, with his journey culminating in a tragic yet heroic death in Avengers: Endgame (2019). However, Marvel recently surprised fans by announcing Downey’s return—this time not as Iron Man, but as the villain Dr. Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
Even Gwyneth Paltrow, who played Stark’s love interest, Pepper Potts, expressed confusion about the news, commenting on Downey’s Instagram: “I don’t get it, are you a baddie now?”
When asked about his new role during San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Downey responded with a cryptic smile: “New mask, same task. What can I say, I like playing complicated characters.”
As Hollywood grapples with AI’s role in entertainment, Downey’s humor and confidence remain intact. For now, it seems both he and Marvel are focused on new creative challenges—and not on reviving old characters through artificial means.
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