What if Robert Downey Junior is not Tony Stark?

What if someone else played the role of Tony Stark instead of Robert Downey Junior? What a stark thought to have! But the recently released episode of the animated television series ‘What if…? seems to be posing this exact question to its viewers. The series aims to explore the alternative unfolding of the major events in the life of its superheroes in an animated format. But one of the alternative facts that the series has to deal with in real life is that many of the original actors of the Marvel franchises are not up for voicing the animated versions of themselves, this time including Robert Downey Junior.

Missing persons

One of the reasons the absence of Robert Downey Junior is not surprising is because of his statement back in 2020. The ‘Iron Man’ famed film star who played the role of ‘Tony Stark’ in numerous Marvel movies including the Avengers franchise had mentioned that he was happy with the opportunity he got to play such an iconic character. And that he had given his all to the role. It was now time to realise that things have to finish off at some point.

Robert Downey Junior seems certainly done with the role and a small part voicing the character in the animated series doesn’t seem worth the effort for the star either.

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Not the only one

It is also worth mentioning that the rejection is not one-sided. While the stars like Rachel McAdams, Dany Gurira continue their Marvel Personas in voice-only format, Robert Downey Junior is not the only actor to not reprise his role in the voice department. Major stars like Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, and Scarlett Johansson are also missing from the animated series.

The fans might certainly miss Robert Downey Junior but there is enough performance packed by voice actor, Mike Wingert as Tony Stark in ‘What if…? to keep the viewers happy.