By Zack Sharf
Christopher Nolan appeared on “The Late Show” for a lengthy discussion with Stephen Colbert in which the filmmaker heaped praise on his “Oppenheimer” star Robert Downey Jr., who is widely considered the Oscar frontrunner for best supporting actor. Nolan said he always wanted to work with Downey because of his “generosity” and “charisma.” The director went on to call Downey’s role as Iron Man, which birthed the Marvel Cinematic Universe and carried it for a decade, one of the most important casting decisions ever made.
“With anybody you work with, with actors…you’re looking for some kind of connection emotionally, empathetically,” Nolan said about being drawn to Downey. “You’re looking for some kind of generosity. He has this incredible generosity of spirit. It means when he’s in a scene with other people he’s making sure they are all doing their best, that they are all able to bring their best to the table. He’s helping them clarify those emotional connections"
Screen Rant
I’ve always wanted to work with him. I’ve always seen that in his work,” Nolan added. “And he has such charisma as Tony Stark. Him playing Iron Man is one of the most consequential casting decisions that’s ever been made in the history of the movie business. I wanted to give him the opportunity to lose himself in a part, lose himself in another human being the way great actors love him.
Captain America: Brave New World Release
Date: 2024-07-26
Marvel's Fantastic Four Release
Date: 2025-02-14
Marvel's Thunderbolts Release
Date: 2025-05-02
Blade (2025) Release
Date: 2025-07-25
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty Release
Date: 2025-11-07
Avengers: Secret War Release
Date: 2026-05-01