Robert Downey Jr. To Join The Star Wars Universe?
Robert Downey Jr. could be headed to a galaxy far, far away...
This article is more than 2 years old
Robert Downey Jr. is one of the biggest stars in the world. Once he decided to leave the Marvel Cinematic Universe – we’ll see if that sticks – fans have been wondering if he will attach himself to any other high profile franchise. If a new rumor is to be believed, the once and future Tony Stark could be headed to a galaxy far, far away.
Insider Daniel Richtman claims that Disney is attempting to court Robert Downey Jr. for one of their many Star Wars projects. Which specific Star Wars project? Richtman doesn’t say. In fact, all we have to go on is the idea that the Mouse House wants the former Iron Man to show up in something Star Wars related. Does that mean a new film or one of their many potential television series? We simply don’t know at this time, but with the recent news that Disney wants to focus on streaming content over theatrical, it might be safe to bet it’s one of those shows.
Would an actor of Robert Downey Jr.’s prestige (and salary) be up for one of the Star Wars shows on Disney+? It would almost assuredly depend on the size of the role and the level of commitment desired by the actor. Does he feel at all enthused at the idea of joining the Star Wars universe? If so, in what kind of capacity? Would this be a brand new character or someone we have seen before? And would Robert Downey Jr. be more than just an extended cameo? Would he be a key character in whatever project Disney is thinking about putting him in?
To be perfectly honest, if this rumor has any veracity to it, it sounds like stunt casting. Robert Downey Jr. is an extremely notable actor and fans would surely be excited to see him in the Star Wars universe. However, it would be difficult to separate the actor from whatever role he would be playing. Unless he was portraying some alien that was unrecognizable as Robert Downey Jr., it would likely end up that his presence would be little more than just his particular persona dominating whatever project he was in.
Maybe that would be part of the appeal of seeing Robert Downey Jr. in the Star Wars universe? His specific brand of wit would surely be one of the reasons Disney would want him to show up in a Star Wars project. Audiences will expect a certain type of character from Robert Downey Jr. and Disney has to know that. Is that their possible plan if they decide to bring him into the Lucasfilm fold?
We’ll see if this rumor has any legs. Robert Downey Jr. has got to have incredible deciding power over how he spends the back nine of his career. Will he choose to do so in some intergalactic fashion? Or will he just keep making Dolittle movies? Either way, we can expect to see Robert Downey Jr. on the big screen again at some point.
