Robert Downey Jr. Almost Changed Everything By Refusing To Do This ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Scene

It’s been more than two years since we witnessed the end of an era, of what was one of the most memorable runs of Marvel Studios’ Avengers franchise, with the release of Avengers: Endgame. The movie kept everyone at the edge of their seats as much beloved characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor & others finally took on Thanos to change the outcome of the universe and the great wipeout.

© Marvel Studios

Avengers: Endgame was memorable for plenty of reasons, with one being that a lot of the heroes were finally calling it a day from the superhero franchise, and also with the way they were bidding farewell. While the former Captain America AKA Steve Rodgers could be seen saying goodbye to the famous Captain America shield, Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark AKA Iron Man, unfortunately, ended his journey by dying in the film.

Now, it was no ordinary death, as he sacrificed himself for the greater good and for the world, in what could be labeled as one of the most iconic superhero movie scenes or even film scenes in recent history. Without a doubt, it took an emotional toll on a lot of moviegoers who could be seen wiping away tears as they bid farewell to the character of Iron Man, who was the first to kick off the unbelievably successful Marvel Cinematic Universe.

However, did you know that this iconic scene was not even meant to take place? Yes! According to the makers of the film, Iron Man’s scene where he snaps his fingers by saying, “I am Iron Man,” after Thanos declares, “I am inevitable,” almost did not happen.

© Marvel Studios

Why? Well, because of Robert Downey Jr.

Marvel CEO Kevin Feige and Anthony Russo explained the reason behind Robert not being ready to do the scene in the new book, The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“Robert was telling me, when he found out that we wanted to come back and shoot a new version of, arguably, the most emotional shot, at first, he didn’t want to do it,” said Kevin. “I mean, it’s not the kind of thing you dial up and dial down very easily. So, yeah, it was challenging for Robert to have to readdress it,” he added.

He says that it was difficult for Robert as it was a truly emotional scene, however, they somehow convinced him to do the scene.

“It was hard for him to understand, specifically, where we were with the storytelling. When you’re in the editing room, working every day with the material, you have a depth of understanding of it. You’ve explored it in every possible way. It doesn’t mean a new idea can’t hit you. By that point, we were really sure what [the scene] needed,” said Kevin.

Well, the rest as you know, is history, and because of that powerful scene, Iron Man AKA Tony Stark AKA Robert Downey Jr. exited the MCU in what could be the most legendary way possible, leaving a massive void behind.

I am sure, if we asked Robert, he’d agree that it was indeed the right call as it made his legacy untouchable in the superhero cinematic genre forever. Anyway, you can check the iconic scene here just to see how impactful it really was.

Don’t know about you, but it still gives me goosebumps.