“They eventually move on from them”: Robert Downey Jr. Had to Leave MCU to Survive in Hollywood? Iron Man Star Claims to Work Harder for an Unpredictable Audience
Superhero movies have always been a part of our lives since childhood; some of our first movies might be superhero movies. These franchises, with their diverse and formidable characters, not only entertain us but also allow us to escape from reality, serving as a source of inspiration and determination for us.
The iconic superhero franchises Marvel, DC, and Star Wars reigned at the box office for decades, becoming a cultural phenomenon. It’s somehow hard for us to imagine a world without these superheroes, and what if it does come to pass one day?
Robert Downey Jr. predicts Superhero movie decline amid changing audience preference
We are blessed with many superhero movies every year, and it’s something we often look forward to. These movies, known for their complex themes, characterization, and visual beauty, have consistently enthralled and impacted the audience.
They have also served as a sort of healing refuge in our lives, connecting with us on various levels. However, what if one day this prolific era of superheroes were to come to a close? From the words of the superhero star, things will get clearer.
Robert Downey Jr., the man behind Marvel’s timeless superhero Iron Man, revealed that the superhero movies are now dying out. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the actor pointed out that the evolving landscape of the film industry and changing audience tastes have lessened the impact and demand of the superhero genre.
“Audiences are incredibly dynamic, always embracing novel variations of genres, and they eventually move on from them. As an artist, it becomes essential to consistently surpass their expectations and offer them something new.”
Downey Jr. reveals, that superhero films such as DC, Marvel, and sci-fi films like Star Wars which dominated the film industry for a long time, have faced a decline in their appeal as people need something new and fresh, different from superheroes.
Robert Downey Jr. says the changing landscape puts pressure on the cinema industry
Downey Jr. highlighted that since people have changed their interests in their entertainment choices, there is a sense of excitement and pressure in the cinematic industry. This made them more curious about what the audience would gravitate to next. Downey Jr. mentions that this uncertainty exists in both the TV and cinematic television communities, putting them on alert.
“Now, we’re in an interesting spot because it’s like anyone’s game, anticipating what audiences will respond to next. And I think it has put the cinematic and TV communities on point.”
He also mentioned that the cinematic landscape has become unpredictable due to this shift in audience preferences. So, the artists have to adapt innovative ideas to capture the attention of viewers.
Robert Downey Jr. retired from playing Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Iron Man is regarded as one of the most beloved characters in the MCU. He appeared in 9 Marvel movies including 3 successful stand-alone and one uncredited cameo.
Source: Vanity Fair