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Writer-director Jon Favreau successfully launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008 Iron manbut there was one move in the MCU that he admits he resisted behind the scenes: killing off Robert Downey Jr.’s beloved Tony Stark in 2019. Avengers: Endgame.
appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday to promote his upcoming Star Wars film The Mandalorian and GroguFavreau says he called in Anthony and Joe Russo to answer for their plan to end the character he helped create.
“I talked to Rowe’s family, and I said, ‘I don’t know if people are going to like… I don’t know, it’s going to really impact people because they were kids who grew up with this character,'” Favreau said. “But I have to tell you, it was handled really well by them. And Gwyneth.” [Paltrow] Robert did a fantastic job with the acting, and I think he added a poignant touch to it. I think they did a great job. I was wrong.
Favreau admitted that he became emotional when he watched the film. “I choked,” he said. “Even though it’s a movie, those people, those characters, have been a part of my life for a long time.”
Favreau added that he is “excited to see” Downey as Doctor Doom in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. He noted that “the smartest thing I ever did” was introduce himself as the character Happy Hogan in the first film Iron man The film, because he was invited back to appear so many times in the series that the role “put my kids into school.”
When asked who is “scarier,” Star Wars fans or MCU fans, Favreau diplomatically replied that they are “equally invested” in their respective franchises, but Star Wars fans have a longer association given that the first film came out in 1977.
Favreau showed a new clip from the The Mandalorian and Groguwhich you can watch at around the 9-minute mark in the footage below. The film opens on May 22.
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