Key Takeaways
- Downey Jr. acknowledged Musk's achievements but criticized his actions.
- Musk's controversial actions include promoting conspiracies and supporting Trump.
- It is unlikely that Downey Jr.'s comments will change views on Musk.
iron man Actor Robert Downey Jr. acknowledged Elon Musk's achievements but also offered some criticism of him.
Tony Stark/Iron Man has often been compared to Elon Musk. Both are wealthy men who have made significant technological contributions to the world along with a knack for showmanship (Stark via the fictional Stark Industries, Musk via SpaceX and Tesla). Musk even appeared as himself in a brief scene. iron man 2–One of the strangest cameos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe–and iron man Co-writer Mark Fergus has admitted that the MCU's Tony Stark is partly inspired by Musk, Donald Trump, and Steve Jobs. But Musk is a polarizing figure due to his promotion of far-right and anti-Semitic conspiracies, the rise of hate speech and misinformation on his website X (formerly Twitter), and his donation of a vast fortune in support of Donald Trump. 2024 US presidential election.
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In an interview on the Podcast On with Kara Swisher, Downey Jr. was asked what he thought about Musk “playing Tony Stark,” which seemed to refer to comparisons between the two businessmen. Downey Jr. responded by criticizing Musk's actions, including headline-grabbing pranks like the one mentioned above or challenging Mark Zuckerberg to a fight. “I’ve only met him a few times,” Downey Jr. said. “As a 60-year-old white American male in recovery, I wish he had more control over his behavior, but that’s not my job.”
Some Musk critics forgive his questionable behavior because of his technological achievements. But Downey Jr. seems to count himself among those who believe Musk's accomplishments don't excuse his actions. “I know it doesn’t cross my mind to think, ‘I’m fine because I have to get to Mars.’ But again, you have to look at everything he’s done to see why. He’s a valuable man.”
Downey Jr.'s comments are unlikely to change anyone's opinion of Musk. Musk earned both the respect and anger of many people by supporting Trump. Despite Downey Jr.'s popularity, he has little chance of inspiring people when so many people are deeply invested in their political views. It does not lead to moral equivalence between the two sides. That's it.
Downey Jr.'s time as Tony Stark is not over yet, as far as fans know. However, Downey Jr. is set to return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. Avengers: Doomsdayappeared in rumors Fantastic Four: First Steps. Some fans viewed the casting decision as a desperate move for both Marvel Studios and Downey Jr., who may not have reached the same level of success since retiring from his role as Iron Man. Avengers: Endgame. But others are excited to see Downey Jr. take on the classic villain.
Marvel Studios' iron man You can watch the movie on Disney Plus.
iron man
Iron Man is the first film in the long-running Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise. Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark, who becomes Iron Man after being kidnapped and discovers that terrorists are using weapons developed by Stark Industries. Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Tony's lover Pepper Potts, Jon Favreau plays Happy Hogan, and Jeff Bridges stars as the villainous Obadiah Stan.
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Source: On with Kara Swisher