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Robert Downey Jr. stands out in Hollywood for his charisma, sarcasm, and natural talent. His ability to elevate any role, regardless of the movie’s overall quality, sets him apart. RDJ excels in diverse genres, from drama to action, fully immersing himself in characters while retaining his own identity—a challenging balance for many actors.
What makes RDJ exceptional is his mastery of improvisation. He seamlessly integrates his witty and spontaneous moments into his performances, enhancing the impact of his characters. His deep connection with roles allows him to think like the characters he portrays, contributing to iconic moments, especially in his role as Tony Stark. Many of RDJ’s memorable lines in the Iron Man series are a result of his quick thinking and improvisational skills.
In summary, Robert Downey Jr.’s unparalleled charm, talent, and improvisation make him a Hollywood icon, with numerous unscripted moments that have become cinematic classics.
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11 Unscripted Robert Downey Jr. Moments That Became Iconic
“Blueberry?” – Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
In Marvel’s The Avengers, the iconic scene in the lab where Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., offers blueberries to Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) was originally not planned. RDJ, feeling hungry during the filming, secretly brought a bag of blueberries on set and incorporated them into the scene, even though Tony Stark wasn’t scripted to eat. The impromptu moment added a touch of authenticity to the character, and the cameras kept rolling. Mark Ruffalo, staying in character as Banner, even took a blueberry from RDJ, creating another unscripted and memorable moment in the film.
Secret Handshake – Weird Science (1985)
RDJ has captivated audiences for over four decades. In the ’80s, he showcased his versatility by excelling in drama with “Less Than Zero” and displaying comedic brilliance in John Hughes’ “Weird Science.” In the latter, he played a typical high school bully, delivering humor even in a brief role. A notable scene involves RDJ’s character, Ian, pouring a red slurpee over Gary and Wyatt at the mall. While the slurpee pour was scripted, the improvised secret handshake between Ian and Max added a unique touch. Even early in his Hollywood career, RDJ injected his comedic flair, contributing to the scene’s memorability. Despite its minimal impact on the plot, the handshake reflects the characters’ arrogance, making it a fun and distinctive moment in the movie.
“Move the leg.” – Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Tom Holland’s debut as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War left a lasting impression on Marvel fans. His portrayal of a shy and awkward webslinger with a quirky sense of humor added a unique charm to the character. Despite being a newcomer, Holland held his own among seasoned actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
A pivotal aspect of Holland’s Spider-Man is his relationship with Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr. In Civil War, Tony surprises Peter Parker in his Queens apartment to discuss his involvement in the Captain America/Sokovia Accords conflict. During the scene, Tony casually instructs Peter to “move the leg” so he can sit on the bed, delivering an impromptu line that perfectly fits Tony Stark’s character.
Interestingly, this moment wasn’t originally scripted. It stemmed from a practical issue on set – Holland had forgotten his blocking, leaving insufficient space for RDJ to sit as directed. The unplanned line, however, felt so in line with Tony Stark’s personality that it was retained in the film. This spontaneous interaction not only added a humorous touch but also set the tone for the dynamic between the two superheroes throughout their future interactions in the MCU.
“Please be a secret door.” – Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
By the time Avengers: Age of Ultron hit theaters, Robert Downey Jr. had the freedom to improvise and contribute to the script. In a scene where Tony Stark infiltrates a Sokovian lab, disarms the personnel, and searches for a hidden passage, RDJ went off-script. Instead of maintaining silence, he spontaneously quipped, “Please be a secret door, please be a secret door,” and upon discovering it, he added an enthusiastic “Yay!” These unscripted lines injected Tony Stark’s humor into a routine moment, making it memorable. RDJ’s improvisation even influenced executive producer Jeremy Latcham to suggest the joyful “Yay!” that Tony exclaims when he finds the secret door.
“That man is playing Galaga.” – Marvel’s The Avengers
In the first Avengers movie, there are numerous iconic moments, and one standout scene occurs when Iron Man and Captain America meet Thor in the park. After convincing him to join forces, the team gathers on the Helicarrier to discuss Loki. Tony Stark makes a fashionable entrance and, while instructing SHIELD employees, spontaneously exclaims, “That man is playing Galaga. Thought we wouldn’t notice, but we did.” This off-the-cuff remark by Robert Downey Jr. became a hilarious and memorable moment, showcasing his improvisational talent. Remarkably, this comment foreshadows the film’s plot, as Galaga is an arcade game about defending Earth from aliens—echoing the Avengers’ mission. Director Joss Whedon was so impressed that he added graphics of the game during post-production, solidifying the scene’s comedic impact. Even years later, it remains one of Tony Stark’s and the MCU’s standout moments.
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Wayne Gale’s Australian Accent – Natural Born Killers (1994)
In Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers, written by Quentin Tarantino, the narrative unfolds as a tumultuous and hallucinatory journey filled with bloodshed. The film revolves around Mallory (Juliette Lewis) and Mickey (Woody Harrelson), individuals scarred by traumatic childhoods who evolve into lovers and psychopathic serial killers. The media recklessly glorifies their cross-country killing spree.
RDJ takes on the role of Wayne Gale, a news reporter determined to exploit Mallory and Mickey’s twisted love story for higher ratings. Despite the film’s U.S. setting and focus on Southern characters, RDJ unexpectedly introduced an Australian accent to his character, contrary to the original vision. Surprisingly, this deviation enhanced the character, adding entertainment value and allowing RDJ to deliver a completely unhinged and amusing performance.
“Just getting the door.” – Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Spider-Man: Homecoming showcased the evolving dynamic between Peter and Tony, evolving beyond a mentor-mentee relationship into something resembling a father-son bond. Their reliance on each other, care, and playful banter mirrored a paternal connection. The memorable scene in Tony’s car, where he reaches over and quips about not offering a hug but just closing the door, exemplifies how Robert Downey Jr. seamlessly embodied Tony Stark. Much of this interaction was unscripted, with Tom Holland revealing that their on-screen banter was often spontaneous, capturing the essence of their characters’ relationship. RDJ’s natural delivery in that moment not only added humor but also set the tone for the unique and enjoyable connection between Tony and Peter.
The Shawarma Post-Credit Scene – Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)
One of the most memorable moments in the Avengers movie and the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the brief post-credit scene featuring the original six Avengers enjoying shawarma after the Battle of New York. Originally, there was only one line for Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., but both RDJ and director Joss Whedon felt there was more potential for the scene.
RDJ’s off-script remark about wanting to try shawarma led to the creation of this iconic post-credit scene. The improvisation was so successful that Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, had the cast return to film the scene right after the movie’s press junket had begun. This spontaneous addition turned RDJ’s joke into one of the best moments in the MCU, showcasing the collaborative and creative spirit behind these beloved films.
“Peek-a-boo I see you!” – Tropic Thunder (2008)
In the making of the action movie depicted in Tropic Thunder, the real-life actors diverged significantly from the script, opting for extensive improvisation. The scripted elements mainly outlined the scenarios, leaving ample room for the actors to showcase their creativity. Among these performances, Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Kirk Lazarus stands out as a memorable caricature of method actors who take themselves too seriously.
Despite the film’s predominantly unscripted nature, RDJ’s improvised line, “Peek-a-boo, I see you!” delivered during a battle scene, emerges as one of the comedic highlights. The humor is heightened by Lazarus’s absurdity, satirizing actors deeply engrossed in their craft. RDJ’s execution of the line, coupled with a well-timed forward roll, adds an extra layer of hilarity. The phrase itself, although unconventional, seamlessly fits into the scene, contributing to the overall comedic brilliance of the movie.
Most of the Script – Sherlock Holmes (2009)
In Guy Ritchie’s adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, the emphasis on ad-libbing during filming overshadowed the significance of the script. The dynamic and humorous exchanges between Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Watson (Jude Law) were not only a result of their real-life friendship but also owed much to Downey Jr.’s spontaneous and quick-witted nature.
The movie, released on January 1, 2009, under Ritchie’s direction, featured a cast including Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, and Robert Maillet. Despite being classified as an action film with a PG-13 rating, the standout element was the considerable amount of improvisation by the lead actors.
The ability to create dialogue on the spot and seamlessly integrate it into the scenes is a remarkable accomplishment, requiring a combination of intelligence, charisma, and quick thinking. Robert Downey Jr.’s proficiency in this skill elevated the Ritchie-directed Sherlock Holmes adaptation to one of the best in its genre. The electrifying rapport between Holmes and various characters in the film was a testament to RDJ’s talent for improvisation.
“I am Iron Man.” – Iron Man (2008)
Arguably, the most pivotal words uttered in the Marvel Cinematic Universe come at the conclusion of Iron Man, where Tony Stark declares, “I am Iron Man.” This line, delivered by Robert Downey Jr., marked a turning point not only for the character but for the entire MCU, signaling a transformative shift in the narrative. The significance of these words extends beyond the script, as RDJ made the decision to include them, shaping the trajectory of Tony Stark’s 11-year journey within the cinematic universe.
Released on April 30, 2008, and directed by Jon Favreau, Iron Man featured a cast including Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Leslie Bibb, and Shaun Toub. The film, rated PG-13 and centered around action, served as the birthplace of the MCU, with “I am Iron Man” encapsulating the essence of this new superhero universe. This catchphrase became synonymous with Tony Stark, setting the stage for the adventures and challenges he would face over the next decade.
The poignancy of “I am Iron Man” reached its pinnacle in Avengers: Endgame when Tony Stark sacrificed himself by wielding the Infinity Gauntlet. In a remarkable parallel to his origin story, RDJ’s brilliance came to the fore once again. The cast and crew had to reshoot the scene to ensure that Tony’s final words mirrored his iconic declaration, solidifying his legacy as Iron Man.
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