Joss Whedon says Avengers 2 will not happen without Robert Downey Jr..
Avengers 2 has been on and off for a while now, as contract negotiations and character rights all threaten the film’s existence. It is well known that Robert Downey Jr. is practically the center of the entire Avengers universe, and without him, Iron Man isn’t the same, and the Avengers likewise.
Robert Downey Jr. was the perfect fit for the role of Iron Man , his snarky wit and history of alcoholism making him the picture of Tony Stark. Joss Whedon apparently knows this, and it’s enough to make him call off making the next movie if Robert Downey Jr. isn’t in it.
Recent contract negotiations threatened the existence of the movie almost from day one, as the major actors from The Avengers all wanted more money to continue their roles. Mark Ruffalo, one of the actors involved, went on record at the time as saying that he wasn’t aware the negotiations had even begun yet and we shouldn’t worry.
However, the negotiations are still in depute, and Robert Downey Jr . is fighting for his fellow actors, saying that if they aren’t in it, neither is he. And if that happens, Joss Whedon is calling off Avengers 2 entirely.
Joss Whedon stated for the The Daily Beast , “He is Iron Man. He is Iron Man in the way that Sean Connery was James Bond. I have no intention of making Avengers 2 without him, nor do I think I’ll be called upon to do that. I don’t think it’s in my interest, Marvel’s interest, or his interest, and I think everything will be fine. But I know that this is Hollywood and you roll with things. You have to be ready for the unexpected. But I loved working with Robert, and everybody knows he embodied that role in a way no one else can. The day he was cast, I went up to [Marvel Studios president] Kevin Feige and said, ‘You brilliant son of a bitch.’”
All in all, it’s up to Marvel Studios to work with the actors and ensure they are all cast with the raises they demanded.
What do you think of Joss Whedon saying he won’t make Avengers 2 without Robert Downey Jr.?