Robert Downey Jr. has made it clear that he is staunchly opposed to the use of artificial intelligence to recreate his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark (Iron Man) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially after his death. In a candid interview on the *On With Kara Swisher* podcast, the actor declared his intention to take legal action against any future Marvel executives who attempt to use AI to replicate his likeness or character without his consent.
Downey expressed confidence that the current leadership at Marvel, which includes a small group of executives, would never consider using AI to recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark without his permission. He noted, "I am not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul because there’s like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway, and they would never do that to me, with or without me." His comments reflect his trust in the present Marvel leadership, but Downey made it clear that he’s concerned about the future.
Swisher, acknowledging the inevitable succession of executives, reminded Downey that the decision-makers at Marvel would eventually change. Downey, however, was resolute in his opposition and added humorously, “I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec.” The actor’s determination to maintain control over his legacy is unwavering, even beyond his lifetime. In a light-hearted exchange, Swisher jokingly remarked, “You’ll be dead,” to which Downey responded with a grin, “But my law firm will still be very active.”
This stance underscores Downey's commitment to protecting the integrity of his work and his image, making it clear that his legal team will continue to pursue action against any unauthorized use of his likeness, regardless of when that might happen.
Despite retiring from the Marvel Cinematic Universe after his character's conclusion in *Avengers: Endgame*, Downey’s recent surprise announcement about returning as the formidable Marvel villain, Dr. Victor Von Doom (Doctor Doom), has sparked excitement among fans. His willingness to come back to the franchise, albeit in a new role, demonstrates his enduring connection with the Marvel universe, even if he’s cautious about how his past roles are handled in the future.
This declaration about AI and Tony Stark's legacy reflects broader discussions within the entertainment industry about the ethical implications of using technology to resurrect deceased actors or recreate their roles. Downey’s firm stance could set a precedent for other actors who are concerned about preserving their image and ensuring that their characters live on with respect and authenticity.
