When Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Iron Man back in 2007 and Marvel's Kevin Feige told him about their plans for an AVENGERS movie, the actor doubted the movie would ever happen.
"I just remember I would get nervous about it and excited about it and doubtful about it. And then by the time I had a history with Sam [Samuel L. Jackson] and I was really wanting to capitalize on that."After the success of Iron Man and establishing his link to the Avengers with Nick Fury, Downey was confident they could take it further. Once Chris Evans proved himself in Captain America: The First Avenger and Thor starring Chris Hemsworth were blockbuster successes, the idea of it cemented in Downey's mind. Casting Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk was also another winning element for the assembling of the Marvel superheroes, according to Downey.
And by the time, Chris and Chris had launched their individual franchises with success and charisma. And by the time we had Mark [Ruffalo], I was like 'This is really going to happen.'"When it did happen, Downey was extremely content with the story and all the characters having "equal" screen time, without feeling the pressure of carrying the movie. The AVENGERS star also praised his fellow actors.
"Being a worker among workers is where I started out - it was nice not to carry a movie. I thought everyone really, really, really is equal in this venture. It's great."
THE AVENGERS is in movie theaters May 4, 2012.
