Before Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. Could've Played Another Marvel Hero

Marvel's Cinematic Universe began in earnest in 2008, when the company's owners made the risky yet, as it turned out, profitable decision to hire a star with a baggage. Robert Downey Jr., however, the man in question, could have previously played a completely different character than Iron Man.

Related:Robert Downey Jr. Feared Becoming Part of MCU Would Kill His Acting Skills

Who, then, was the Hollywood star to play? Before the MCU was created, several Marvel productions were released on cinema screens to popularize comic book adaptations. At some point, the idea for a movie came from the authorities of Paramount Pictures, who wanted to introduce audiences to a lesser-known character - Deathlok.

Paul McGuigan, whose wish was to have Robert Downey Jr. play this anti-hero, was to be in charge of directing. However, the shooting was put on hold by Marvel Studios itself, which preferred to use the actor for a more ambitious role.

The premiere of the would-be Deathlok movie was planned for 2005, or, as you can easily calculate, three years before the appearance of Iron Man. Fans of the MCU should actually be glad that, in the end, the project did not come to fruition. Why?

This is what Robert Downey Jr. could look like as Deathlok. Source: Leonardo.ai

In fact, it would not have really matter whether the movie adaptation of the anti-hero's adventures would have achieved success or turned out to be a flop. The involvement of the star who later played Tony Stark would mean that the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be deprived of its biggest highlight.

There is no denying that Robert Downey Jr. is one of the fathers of the MCU's success. You may not like his character, but you have to admit that without his interpretation of Tony Stark, the Marvel Cinematic Universe would look very different.

However, if you are curious to see how Deathlok presents himself on the screen, here is your opportunity. The antihero appeared in the series Marvel: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., available on Disney+.

More:Why Didn't Tom Cruise Play Iron Man? Kevin Feige Explains

Martin Nothing

Martin Nothing

He began his writing adventure in the now non-existent Mobilny Swiat. Then he wandered around various technology services. Although he is not a typical gamer, and has only Football Manager on his computer, he finally ended up on GRYOnline.pl. There is not a day when he wouldn't watch reviews of new smartphones, that's why he initially wrote about all kinds of technology. Over time, however, he shifted his interests more towards cinematography. An NBA fan who believes that Michael Jordan is better than LeBron James, and that basketball from the 90s was more pleasing to the eye.