From Box Office Poison to Blockbuster Movie Stars

Robert Downey Jr. holds both an Oscar for his role in 2023’s “Oppenheimer” and substantial wealth from his portrayal of Tony Stark. Remarkably, Downey was once considered a “box office poison.” Early in his career, he rose to fame quickly, albeit with some roles he might prefer to forget. His celebrity status was more associated with his off-screen antics rather than his acting skills. Despite earning an Academy Award nomination for his role in 1992’s “Chaplin,” he was better known for incidents like trespassing and passing out at his neighbor’s house.

Bad behavior can be forgiven if you succeed at the box office, but Downey didn’t. For the first 25 years of his career, not a single movie he starred in grossed more than $100 million. His bad luck even affected other big stars. For instance, “Air America,” released in 1990, was a significant flop for Mel Gibson, and “Soapdish” was a low point for Sally Field.

Downey’s fortunes began to change in the new millennium. His friend Mel Gibson financed the insurance for his role in “The Singing Detective.” Additionally, director Jon Favreau advocated for Downey to play Tony Stark in “Iron Man.” These decisions paid off handsomely. The first “Iron Man” film made $585 million globally, which was four times more than Downey’s previous highest-grossing film, “Gothika.” It also launched one of the most successful franchises in cinematic history.

Source: Various