Robert Downey Jr. Remembers He ‘Blacked Out’ from Breaking His Ankle on “Iron Man 3” Set

**Robert Downey Jr. Reflects on On-Set Injury During ‘Iron Man 3’**

Robert Downey Jr. has opened up about the injury he sustained while filming ‘Iron Man 3’ in 2013, during a recent discussion moderated by author Ayad Akhtar at 92NY in New York City. The conversation, which took place on September 29, 2024, delved into the unexpected joys and learnings that can arise from difficult experiences.

Downey Jr., now 61, recounted the moment when he broke his ankle while performing a stunt. As he described, a miscalculated wire jump led to a painful landing that dramatically altered the course of the production. With apparent humour, he recalled thinking, “Oh my God, this rest of the shoot just got really different.” He also mentioned that the intensity of the pain caused him to momentarily lose consciousness.

Once he regained his composure, Downey Jr. amusingly informed the crew that the usual lunch break would now extend to “roughly six weeks.” His comments elicited laughter from the audience, reflecting the actor’s ability to find levity even in challenging situations. When questioned by Akhtar if the delay had indeed resulted in a six-week hold on production, Downey Jr. jested, “No, it was much longer. I am a delicate flower,” showcasing his characteristic wit.

The actor’s reflections came as he marked the anniversary of a pivotal moment in his career, where the injury initially seemed like a setback but ultimately allowed for necessary script revisions. In a 2013 interview with Entertainment Tonight, he had minimised the injury’s impact on the film, suggesting that it provided unexpected benefits to the creative process.

‘Iron Man 3’, released in 2013, marks the third solo outing for Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, continuing a role that has significantly shaped his career and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film not only followed the tremendous success of 2012’s ‘The Avengers’, but also played a crucial part in establishing superhero films as major box-office drawcards.

Marvel Studios’ announcement of Downey Jr.’s injury initially suggested only a short delay to the filming schedule while he recuperated. However, in hindsight, it seems the incident may have had lasting effects that allowed for enhancements to the story. His adaptability led him to thrive in the subsequent phases of the MCU, including reprising the role of Stark in several significant films through to 2019.

Following the success of 2023’s ‘Oppenheimer’, for which he received his first Academy Award, Downey Jr. confirmed his return to the Marvel franchise. He is set to play the villain Victor Von Doom in the upcoming ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, which is scheduled for release on December 18, 2024. Additionally, he will appear in next year’s ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ and has a cameo as the character in a mid-credits scene for 2025’s ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’.

With a long-standing career filled with both triumphs and challenges, Downey Jr. has repeatedly demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt, factors that have undoubtedly contributed to his success as an actor. The upcoming release of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ promises to be a highly anticipated return for the beloved character, further solidifying his legacy within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As audiences eagerly await the new instalments, they will also be able to explore Akhtar’s recently released novel, ‘The Radiance’, which is available in stores now. Both Downey Jr.’s career and Akhtar’s literary contributions remind us that from pain can emerge creativity and growth, resonating with the theme of unexpected rewards found in life’s experiences.