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After launching the MCU with his 2008 movie Iron Man, it's understandable that director Jon Favreau would have been sad to see Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark die at the end of Avengers: Endgame. Favreau even went as far as to call up Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo in an attempt to try to change their minds on the matter. However, he now admits that they ultimately made the right decision.
"I talked to the Russos, I said, 'I don’t know if people are gonna like… I don’t know, it’s really going to impact people because they were kids that grew up with that character," admitted Favreau on Jimmy Kimmel Live. "But I have to tell you, it was handled so well by them. And Gwyneth [Paltrow] and Robert did such a wonderful job acting, and I think it added a poignancy to it. I think they did a wonderful job. I was wrong."
Avengers: Endgame hit screens in 2019 and ultimately put an end to the MCU's Avengers team we had grown to love, hence the film's title. However, the biggest shocker came right at the end, when Iron Man sacrificed himself to save his fellow superheroes and destroy Thanos once and for all. Stark used the six Infinity Stones and 'snapped' Thanos and his army into oblivion, also killing himself in the process.
Not only is this one of the most iconic scenes in MCU history, but it was also the end for one of Marvel's most beloved characters, who had been on screen for over ten years. Even Favreau got emotional when he watched the film. "I was choked up," added Faverau. "Even though it’s a movie, those people, those characters, have been part of my life for so long."
Favreau looks back on the Iron Man franchise with great fondness. Not only did he helm the first Iron Man movie, but he also starred as Stark's chauffeur, Happy Hogan. Faverau says that was the "smartest thing I ever did" as that recurring role "put my kids through school.”
However, that moment didn't mark the end of Downey's Marvel career, as the star will return in Avengers: Doomsday, but not as Stark, as comic-book villain Victor von Doom. Favreau added that he is "excited to see" Downey take shape as the elusive villain in the upcoming movie.
Avengers: Doomsday hits cinemas on December 18. For more, check out our guide on how to watch Marvel movies in order, and keep up with upcoming Marvel movies heading your way.
