In a surprising twist that’s sure to spark countless discussions among Marvel fans, Robert Downey Jr has reportedly turned down a cameo role in Deadpool & Wolverine. The decision, which comes after Downey read the proposed scene, has left many fans wondering what could have been. The news was first reported by Variety, where it was revealed that Downey was originally approached to reprise his iconic role as Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, in a brief but significant cameo.
As someone who has followed the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) from its very beginnings, I was both shocked and intrigued by this revelation. Downey’s portrayal of Tony Stark is nothing short of legendary, and the idea of seeing him interact with the likes of Deadpool and Wolverine was undeniably exciting. However, it appears that Downey had his reasons for declining the role, and it’s these reasons that have piqued my curiosity.
The Scene That Almost Was
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According to the report, the scene in question was intended to be a humorous interaction between Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, and Tony Stark. The original script had Deadpool using Cable’s time machine to jump into the Sacred Timeline, where he attempts to pitch himself for a spot in the Avengers. The scene was set to include a meeting with Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan, who would ultimately reject Deadpool’s proposal. The addition of Tony Stark was meant to add another layer of comedy and nostalgia, with Stark likely delivering his signature snarky one-liners.
It’s worth noting that the writers of Deadpool & Wolverine, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, were reportedly very keen on including Downey in the film. They had written the scene with him in mind, hoping that his relationship with both Ryan Reynolds and Jon Favreau would entice him to make a brief return to the MCU. However, despite their best efforts, Downey declined the offer after reading the script.
Why Robert Downey Jr. Said No
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So, why did Robert Downey Jr say no to what would have surely been a fan-favourite moment? The answer lies in the actor’s future plans within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As it turns out, Downey is set to return to the MCU in a much larger and unexpected capacity—as the villainous Doctor Doom.
This revelation adds a whole new dimension to Downey’s decision. With his upcoming role as Doctor Doom, it makes sense that Marvel would want to keep his return under wraps, avoiding any potential confusion or overlap with his previous role as Tony Stark. The writers of Deadpool & Wolverine were reportedly unaware of Downey’s future plans, which ultimately led to the cameo idea being scrapped.
Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, in an interview with IndieWire, expressed their understanding of Downey’s decision. “We had written the scene [to start] with Happy and Downey,” Wernick said. “But once we learned about the Doctor Doom plans, it all made sense. There’s no way he was going to do both.” It’s clear that while the writers were disappointed, they respected Downey’s choice and understood the importance of maintaining the integrity of his future role.
What Could Have Been: The Original Avengers
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Interestingly, the writers also revealed that there was an even grander idea initially floated for the cameo scene. In an early concept, the scene was to include not just Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark, but all of the original Avengers—Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, and Chris Evans’ Captain America. Deadpool was to be rejected by each of them in turn, leading to a classic Deadpool-style tirade where he would dress down each Avenger with his trademark irreverence.
While this idea was never fully realised, it’s fun to imagine what such a scene might have looked like. Deadpool’s interaction with the Avengers would have been a hilarious and chaotic moment, filled with the kind of meta-humour that Deadpool fans love. Unfortunately, this idea never made it past the conceptual stage, but the thought of Deadpool trying to join the Avengers is enough to bring a smile to any Marvel fan’s face.
Downey’s Future as Doctor Doom
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With Robert Downey Jr set to return as Doctor Doom in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday and 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars, fans have a lot to look forward to. The casting of Downey as one of Marvel’s most iconic villains is a bold move, and one that’s sure to generate a lot of excitement. Downey’s ability to bring complexity and charisma to his roles makes him a perfect fit for Doctor Doom, and it will be fascinating to see how he tackles this new challenge.
As someone who has been a fan of Downey’s work since his early days as Tony Stark, I’m thrilled to see him take on this new role. Doctor Doom is a character with a rich history in the comics, and Downey’s portrayal could bring a new level of depth and nuance to the MCU’s portrayal of villains. While I would have loved to see him share the screen with Deadpool and Wolverine, I understand why he chose to focus on his future role as Doctor Doom.
Final Thoughts on RDJ’s Deadpool & Wolverine cameo that never was…
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Robert Downey Jr’s decision to turn down a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine is a reminder of the complexities involved in crafting the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While it would have been amazing to see Tony Stark back in action, the prospect of Downey taking on the role of Doctor Doom is equally exciting. As the MCU continues to evolve, it’s clear that there are still plenty of surprises in store for fans.
In the end, while we may never know what Downey’s cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine would have looked like, we can rest assured that his future in the MCU is far from over. Whether as a hero or a villain, Robert Downey Jr continues to be one of the most compelling actors in the Marvel universe, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what he does next.
