Christopher Nolan Confesses Initial Fear of Robert Downey Jr. During ‘Batman Begins’ Meeting

Robert Downey Jr.’s revelation about his early 2000s meeting with director Christopher Nolan for a potential role in “Batman Begins” sparked interest. Downey recalled Nolan’s lack of enthusiasm for casting him as Scarecrow, a role eventually filled by Cillian Murphy. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Nolan candidly admitted to his reservations about Downey.

“I 100% knew you weren’t the guy [for Scarecrow],” Nolan acknowledged, citing his admiration for Downey but also confessing some trepidation. “But I always wanted to meet you… I was also a little afraid of you, you know. I had heard all kinds of stories about how you were crazy. It was only a few years after the last of those stories that had come out about you.”

This encounter occurred prior to Downey’s iconic portrayal of Iron Man, which rejuvenated his career following legal troubles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Downey’s past arrests and struggles with addiction made him a risky choice for Marvel Studios, despite former president David Maisel’s advocacy for him.

Nolan emphasized the significance of Downey’s casting as Tony Stark, acknowledging it as a pivotal moment in Hollywood history. Reflecting on his decision to cast Downey in “Oppenheimer,” Nolan praised the actor’s transformative performance and expressed admiration for his ability to transcend personal challenges.

“You’re always looking to work with great actors… Once I stopped being afraid of him,” Nolan remarked, highlighting Downey’s evolution and his own willingness to collaborate with him.

Nolan’s perspective on Downey’s impact extends beyond their initial meeting, underscoring the actor’s profound influence on the industry. As Downey continues to garner acclaim for his performances, their collaboration stands as a testament to overcoming doubt and embracing creative risk.