Could you picture Marvel Studios preparing to close out a historic cinematic chapter in Avengers: Infinity War with Tom Cruise in the Iron Man armor instead of Robert Downey Jr.? There have been several reports over the years regarding how RDJ had to fight to secure the role back in September 2006 as Marvel brass weren't sold on the actor. However, director Jon Favreau went to bat for Downey and the rest is history.
But just how close did Cruise get to 'armoring' up as Tony Stark? While doing press for Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Cruise revealed, "Not close. Not close, and I love Robert Downey Jr. I can’t imagine anyone else in that role, and I think it’s perfect for him."
Tom Crusie has played a lot of roles and character in his storied career, except one. Will there ever be a day which sees him suit up as a superhero? "I look at a movie and I don’t rule anything out. It’s, ‘What’s the story? Does it interest me? Do I feel this is where the audience would like to see me in? What can I learn?’ And ‘What can I contribute?’ That’s how I choose my movies."