11 Perfect Casting Choices That Made Comic Book Movies

5. Robert Downey, Jr. As Tony Stark

Undoubtedly the most popular character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - and the franchise's flagship hero - is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Iron Man AKA Tony Stark. When Downey, Jr. was first cast in 2008 - in spite of the fact he had achieved massive success in his career previously, in such films as Chaplin, for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor - he was something of a washed-up alcoholic and drug-addict. It was perceived as a massive risk, but it paid off, as the actor's wit, charisma, charm and humour have made Tony Stark/Iron Man the most popular hero in modern movie history - and not just modern comic book movie history - portraying the self-proclaimed genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist in exactly the way that description would suggest. He has, thus far, appeared in four films as a main star - Iron Man, Iron Man 2, The Avengers and Iron Man 3 - and he has made all of those movies his own. He has also appeared in a cameo in The Incredible Hulk and is set to star in future movies such as next year's Age of Ultron.