A new Avengers: Endgame behind-the-scenes video captures the moment Robert Downey Jr. wraps up his work in the film. Playing Tony Stark/Iron Man in the MCU, Downey alongside director Jon Favreau kicked off the universe in 2008 via Iron Man. Since then, he’s become a major player in the franchise being its poster boy. He played the role in 10 films in 11 years, with the character’s journey coming to an end in the latest Joe and Anthony Russo-directed flick.
Following Thanos (Josh Brolin) successfully wiping out half of life in the universe in Avengers: Infinity War, the remaining heroes had to sit through their failure for five long years before hope blossomed with the idea of Time Heist from Scott Lang/Ant-Man. Stark was initially skeptical of diving back in on the mission having settled in a quiet family life with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and daughter, Morgan (Lexi Rabe). But haunted by the idea that there might be a way to bring back Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Stark eventually joined the team. They successfully revived everyone who was affected by the snap, but with Thanos continuing to threaten the future of the universe, Stark put on the gauntlet and defeated the villain, sacrificing his own life in the process. It was a bittersweet ending, but his heroic deed completes his MCU arc - starting as a selfish industrialist to a selfless hero. And now, fans can have a sneak peek as to what it was like when Downey finished work on the film.
Shared on Downey’s official Instagram account is a short clip of his final day on the set of Endgame. Instead of giving a speech, the actor said he’s following co-star Chris Evans’ suit and will save his message for social media, but despite that, it’s obvious that everyone was starting to get emotional especially when it was made official with the announcement. Downey then went around and hugged almost everyone huddled on set including the Russos, Marvel producer Trinh Tran and Kevin Feige. In the end, he made the double peace sign that Tony Stark is so used to doing in the films. Watch the clip below:
Endgame wasn’t filmed in linear fashion so it’s understandable why Downey is wearing the S.H.I.E.L.D. jumpsuit Stark was wearing during their revisit of the Battle of New York. It’s also worth noting that this is actually not his final day on set. He did a last-minute rework on Iron Man’s biggest moment in the film in Los Angeles to include the “I am Iron Man” line. The video also features both Katherine Langford, who was supposed to play an older Morgan in the film, as well as Holland. According to the Russos, they shot a parallel scene of Stark transporting in Soul World like Thanos did in Infinity War where he meets his older daughter. The bit was ultimately cut, but fans are clamoring to see that since they filmed it. What’s interesting is Holland also being on set the same day considering that it doesn’t seem like there’s any other cast member there. Perhaps there was also special bit with Stark and Parker that was left in the editing room.
Outside of what Downey has done as Stark on the big screen, the actor also served as the unofficial leader of the ever-growing MCU cast, evidenced by his hosted lunches. It’s hard to imagine what the franchise will look without him involved since he had been with it since its inception. But while his journey officially ended in Avengers: Endgame, Iron Man’s legacy lives on with protege like Spider-Man and maybe even Morgan down the road. And considering the acclaim the actor’s received for his performance in the film, maybe a nomination at the upcoming awards season might also be plausible.
More: Marvel Positioned Iron Man As A Villain - But Endgame Proves He’s The Biggest Hero
Source: Robert Downey Jr.
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