Robert Downey Jr. advises Elon Musk to balance his inner Tony Stark with self-control: 'I just wish he would control his behavior a little more'

By: Shawn
Robert Downey Jr. and Elon Musk appeared briefly on film together in 2010's Marvel tentpole "Iron Man 2," where Downey's hotshot business mogul Tony Stark met Musk during the Monaco Grand Prix. It was an appropriate moment, given "Iron Man" screenwriter Mark Fergus once told New York Magazine that Musk's technological prowess, cockiness, and overall hotheadedness influenced the cinematic version of Tony Stark. But how does Downey feel about Musk in real life?

Robert Downey Jr.
JC Olivera/Getty

Downey was asked directly about his opinions on Musk "cosplaying Tony Stark" in real life during an interview on the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast (via Business Insider).

"I've only met him a few times," Downey explained. "As an almost 60-year-old recovering white American male, I just wish he could control his conduct a little better, but that's not on me. I know that the idea of 'It's all fine 'cuz we've gotta get to Mars' doesn't really hold water for me. But, again, you have to look at everything he's done to see why he's valuable."

In 2022, "Iron Man" screenwriter Fergus stated that the film depiction of Tony Stark was a blend of Musk, Donald Trump, and Steve Jobs. He saw the Marvel character as if "Musk took the brilliance of Jobs with the showmanship of Trump," adding: "He was the only one who had the fun factor and the celebrity vibe and actual business substance."

Musk's current résumé includes positions as CEO of Tesla, founder of SpaceX, and owner of X. He is one among the world's most contentious business leaders, and he is frequently targeted by Hollywood figures. Micheal Keaton, for example, recently attacked Trump and Musk, telling their supporters that they don't care about them.

"They don't really respect you, they laugh at you behind your back, they think you're stupid," Keaton told the crowd. "They do not want to hang out with you. They share nothing in common with you. "They are not your bros."

A24 and director Darren Aronofsky are now developing a biopic about Musk based on Walter Isaacson's authorized book. Variety listed Downey on a list of performers who could successfully play the part.

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