In a recent interview with IndieWire, co-writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick disclosed that they initially intended for Robert Downey Jr. to make a cameo as Iron Man (Tony Stark) in the upcoming Marvel film “Deadpool and Wolverine.” However, Downey ultimately decided against participating.
After the announcement of his return as “Doctor Doom” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, things started to make more sense; the crew of “Deadpool and Wolverine” was completely unaware of this development during filming.
Paul Wernick stated:
“We had hoped he would come in as a Alex Reed star. We had already written a segment featuring Happy Hogan and Tony.”
This scene occurs at the beginning of “Deadpool and Wolverine,” where the talkative mercenary, played by Ryan Reynolds, uses a time device from the fortress to jump into the “holy timeline” in an attempt to participate in an interview to join the Avengers. In the final edit, Deadpool only encounters Happy Hogan, portrayed by Jon Favreau, who ultimately turns him down, stating that Deadpool is not suited for teamwork. However, the original plan included a scene with Robert Downey Jr.
Wernick continued:
“Ryan Reynolds co-wrote the sequence and wanted Robert Downey Jr. involved. He also wanted Jon Favreau to participate because they make a great duo and wanted them both in the scene.
We were unaware of the Doctor Doom situation, and there was no way he could play two roles at once. We were surprised, thinking, ‘Really? Robert Downey Jr. turned down Ryan Reynolds? No one turns down Ryan Reynolds.’ Reynolds did apply some pressure. We created the sequence, and Robert Downey Jr. read the script, but we were not informed of the plans for Doctor Doom behind the scenes.”
Robert Downey Jr.’s refusal marked the only rejection when inviting actors for cameos in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” according to Rhett Reese. Fortunately, Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan remained part of the scene, and they ultimately decided to retain his interaction with Deadpool.
Interestingly, the two screenwriters had a wild idea that was never written out: all veteran members of the Avengers, including Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Thor, Captain America, and others, would have also been present.
Wernick noted:
“We haven’t disclosed this to anyone, but there was an early, unwritten version of that scene where all the Avengers were in that room, and Wade, after being turned down, would have berated every Avenger in a very Deadpool-like fashion.”
Leiteris added:
“He would get extremely angry and essentially lash out at each of them in quite a vicious manner.”
Additionally, they had initially considered involving “Peter,” portrayed by Rob Delaney, to accompany Deadpool to the interview, creating a humorous moment where Deadpool cannot lift Thor’s hammer, but Peter can do so effortlessly.
“Peter would be in the background casually lifting Thor’s hammer, which would serve as the punchline. The plan was for Peter to accompany Deadpool to the interview. Although it was never scripted, the idea was there. I recall suggesting that Deadpool would try to get Captain America to swear. I don’t remember the specifics, but, of course, he would use curses against them.”
Ultimately, only Robert Downey Jr. read the script, and Iron Man had a brief appearance in the “Deadpool & Wolverine” script. Although he declined the cameo, Marvel Cinematic Universe fans can still anticipate his return as “Doctor Doom,” Victor von Doom, in “Avengers: Doom” and “Secret Wars” slated for 2026 and 2027.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Decision to Turn Down Iron Man Cameo in “Deadpool & Wolverine”
In an unexpected turn of events, Robert Downey Jr.’s rejection of a cameo appearance as Iron Man in the upcoming Marvel movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” has stirred considerable conversation among fans and industry insiders alike. Co-writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, known for their sharp storytelling in the superhero genre, recently shared insights into the decision-making process behind this highly anticipated film.
Initial Plans for Iron Man’s Cameo
Originally, the film’s script included a scene with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his iconic role as Tony Stark. This clip was conceived as an exciting moment for fans, where Deadpool, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, intended to use a time device to meet Stark and audition for the Avengers.
“We were hoping he’d come on as a Alex Reed star. We had already written a segment with Happy Hogan and Tony,” said Wernick.
Scene Description and Impact
In this early iteration of the script, Deadpool makes a desperate attempt to join the Avengers, only to be met with rejection. Instead of Tony Stark, Deadpool’s interaction ultimately features Happy Hogan, played by Jon Favreau. This substitution aims to maintain some continuity while reinforcing the film’s humor and light-heartedness.
The Shift in Focus: Doctor Doom
Things took a dramatic turn when news broke that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not as Iron Man but as Doctor Doom. As production on “Deadpool & Wolverine” progressed, the writers were completely unaware of this development, leading to the surprising rejection.
“We were like, ‘Oh, Robert Downey Jr. turned down Ryan Reynolds, really? No one would turn down Ryan Reynolds.’”
As the co-writers revealed, this unexpected twist ultimately reshaped the film’s course, pushing the narrative further into the comedic realm while leaving the door open for future Marvel escapades involving Downey Jr. in a different capacity.
Creative Shift in the Narrative
Following Downey’s decision, the focus on the Alex Reed stars shifted. While Downey Jr.’s participation would have had significant narrative impacts, the writers maintained that the script still holds strong. The film is packed with meta-humor and ironic self-awareness.
Potential Avengers Cameos
Interestingly, the screenwriters had even broader ambitions for this sequence. An unwritten idea floated around featuring appearances from multiple Avengers, including Hulk, Black Widow, and Captain America. The scene would serve as a humorous rejection montage where Deadpool outbursts in his trademark style against the superhero ensemble.
“Wade, after they rejected him, berated every Avenger in a very Deadpool-esque way,” Wernick recalled.
Although this ambitious sequence never materialized, it showcases the creative flexibility and humor that define the “Deadpool” franchise.
The Importance of Storytelling in Superhero Films
This episode highlights why effective storytelling is vital in superhero films. While star power like Downey Jr. is undeniably crucial, the narrative’s flow and how characters interact within the universe can ultimately dictate a film’s reception. The writers recognized that humor and character dynamics are key to “Deadpool,” as actor Ryan Reynolds pushed for original storylines and dialogue.
A Glimpse into Future Marvel Films
Although fans will not see Downey Jr. as Iron Man in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” they can look forward to his return as Doctor Doom in upcoming Marvel films like “Avengers: Doom” and “Secret Wars.” This exciting development reignites the conversation around character reinvention and multiverse possibilities within the MCU.
What This Means for Marvel Fans
- Increased Excitement: Fans are eager to see how Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom will unfold, especially given his iconic status as Iron Man.
- Character Reimagining: The shift in roles presents a unique angle for storytelling within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Anticipation for Cameos: The potential for unexpected cameos remains high, as the MCU expands with multiverse concepts.
Fan Reactions and Impact on the Franchise
The decision to exclude Iron Man from “Deadpool & Wolverine” has elicited mixed reactions among fans. While some are disappointed at missing out on a potential cameo, many are excited about the broader implications for the franchise. The transition from Stark to Doom signifies a larger narrative shift and thematic exploration.
Conclusion
As fans eagerly await the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the behind-the-scenes decisions and creative storytelling choices will undoubtedly shape their experience. With Robert Downey Jr. turning the page on Iron Man for a new role as Doctor Doom, the future for the Marvel Cinematic Universe looks intriguingly diverse.
