Elon Musk addressed the claims that he was the one who inspired the Marvel character Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr in the films. This conversation appeared online after Downey criticized Musk’s public behavior. Soon enough, fans jumped in and leaned into the Iron Man comparisons.
Elon Musk addresses claims that he inspired Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr, who played Tony Stark in the Marvel films, was asked about Elon Musk on the podcast “On with Kara Swisher“. He said he has met Musk a few times and said critically, “As an almost 60-year-old recovering white American male, I just wish that he would control his behavior a little more, but that’s not on me.”
He added, “I know that this idea of ‘It’s all okay ’cause we’ve gotta get to Mars’ doesn’t really hold water with me. But again, you know, you have to look at all that he’s done that demonstrates why he’s valuable.”
As for Iron Man screenwriter Mark Fergus, he revealed the real inspiration behind the character. The screenwriter said that Tony Stark was a mixture of Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Steve Jobs. He explained, “Musk took the brilliance of Jobs with the showmanship of Trump. He was the only one who had the fun factor and the celebrity vibe and actual business substance.” (via New York Magazine)
Elon Musk has long encouraged the comparison between him and Iron Man. In interviews, he has said the filmmakers had used aspects of real-world technology leaders when shaping Iron Man. When asked whether he would rather be a Marvel superhero or a Bond villain, Musk replied, “I suppose I’d rather be a Marvel superhero. They did model Iron Man in the movies after me.” (via a Katie Miller interview)
Fans commented over the comparison and said, “I don’t think being the mould for the douchebag billionaire that everyone loathes is the slam dunk he thinks it is.” Another added, “The first Iron Man movie, where the arrogant, entitled Tony Stark spent the money from his company to indulge in toys that made him feel special? That guy? ?.”
Originally reported by Preksha Sharma on Mandatory.
