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Who does Robert Downey Jr play in 'Oppenheimer'? Christopher Nolan praises 'Iron Man' star as 'one of the greatest casting decisions'

Marvel star Robert Downey Jr plays a crucial role in Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer,' starring Cillian Murphy as the lead

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Although Robert Downey Jr might have second-guessed taking on the role of Iron Man, Christopher Nolan, one of the best filmmakers, considers Downey Jr's Iron Man to be "one of the greatest casting decisions" in film history. In a promotional video for 'Oppenheimer,' Nolan discusses why Downey Jr's Tony Stark should have had more screen time, while also applauding Jon Favreau for choosing Downey Jr to play the MCU's Iron Man. The highly anticipated Nolan film 'Oppenheimer,' which stars Downey Jr in a key role, has finally hit theaters. 

Nolan's film 'Oppenheimer' depicts the story of J Robert Oppenheimer's involvement in the creation of the first atomic bomb that would be used against Japan during World War II. The film, which stars Cillian Murphy as the lead, features Downey Jr in the key role of Lewis Strauss, a well-known American navy commander, businessman, and philanthropist.

Who does Robert Downey Jr play in 'Oppenheimer'?

Downey Jr will portray the real-life figure, Lewis Strauss, in the film 'Oppenheimer'. American Navy commander Strauss was also a successful businessman and philanthropist. Additionally, he held two terms on the American Atomic Energy Council (AEC). Strauss was born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1896, about 50 years before he rose to national prominence for his part in the creation of the first atomic bomb. He played one of his most significant roles in response to the emergence of Hitler and the events leading up to World War II.

Furthermore, Strauss was a key player in the creation of nuclear weapons in the US. He played a significant role in shaping American nuclear power and strategy. President Harry S Truman chose Strauss to be a founding member of the Atomic Energy Council, and he eventually served as its chairman. Strauss promoted the peaceful use of atomic energy while serving as the Atomic Energy Commission's chairman. He predicted that the advent of atomic energy would result in electricity becoming "too cheap to meter."

The man also had a significant impact on the highly contentious proceedings before the Personnel Security Board of AEC in April 1954. The hearing resulted in the revocation of J Robert Oppenheimer's security clearance. The physicist who was instrumental in 'birthing' the atom bomb is being played by 'Peaky Blinders' star Cillian Murphy.

Strauss has often been condemned as the villain for the part he played in tearing down Oppenheimer's reputation, even though the physicist was instrumental in giving the US its 'atomic' edge that cemented the country's status as a superpower post WW II. It's safe to say that it will be exhilarating to see how Downey Jr's character Lewis Strauss is portrayed in the upcoming Nolan epic.

'One of the greatest casting decisions'

Downey Jr has captivated his fans with his portrayal of the brilliant, playboy, billionaire, and philanthropist Tony Stark. The skilled actor lived the MCU persona for many years, so his role in 'Oppenheimer' required him to both change his look and make people he was Strauss, not Stark in a wig. Nolan, in an interview with the podcast 'Happy Sad Confused', stated, "When Favreau had the insight to cast him as Iron Man, it's one of the greatest casting decisions in the history of movies," as per Insider because he was such a good fit.

Interviewed by podcast host and entertainment journalist Josh Horowitz, Nolan said, "You look at what that did and where that went with everything. I think that was Jon just knowing what an incredible actor, what an incredible potential that was from Downey." In an interview with Wired, Nolan noted, "That is the multiverse conundrum. Having worked with you (Robert) in Oppenheimer, there’d probably be a lot too much Tony Stark. You’d be running all over the movie a little bit."

'You start to wonder if a muscle you have hasn't atrophied'

With his depiction of Tony Stark, Iron Man's alter ego, the actor is credited with transforming Marvel Studios into a cinematic powerhouse. Between 2008 and 2019, Downey Jr made several appearances as Stark, including in the 'Iron Man' trilogy and all four 'Avengers' movies. Even Downey Jr. has expressed concern about the effects of playing a single part for such a long time. Downey Jr told The Times previously, "You start to wonder if a muscle you have hasn't atrophied."

The actor told The New York Times in an interview that he was concerned that playing Iron Man for such a long time could affect his acting abilities. Nolan, however, seems to have a different opinion of Downey Jr's acting abilities as evidenced by his comments in the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast.

The MCU fans will completely concur with Christopher Nolan, and there might be someone else who could be Iron Man in future reboots. But for the time being, that chapter is closed, and everyone's attention is on 'Oppenheimer,' which just opened in theaters.