Ironheart Star Reveals MCU Advice He Received From Robert Downey Jr

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Robert Downey Jr. is the epitome of a class act.

During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, heart of steel star Alden Ehrenreich open about the advice he received from Downey in taking on the new role of Zeke Stane and what to expect from a Marvel project.

While promoting his latest movie cocaine bear, Ehrenreich, which is set to hit theaters soon, shared details about the FaceTime conversation the two men had. He told the publication that Downey’s suggestions were to weigh the “commercial project alongside the artistic ones.” Ehrenreich says:

“Well, it wasn’t that much advice. He talked about “microdosing” commercial projects alongside artistic ones, and then just before I said yes to that, I just FaceTimed him and asked, “Is there anything I need to know before I sign up?” Me thought, ‘Will he say, ‘Don’t do it?’ I think you asked Harrison Ford before [Solo] what he was going to say to the next Han Solo, and he said, ‘Don’t do it.’ But Downey didn’t say that.”

Later in the discussion, Ehrenreich revealed that he also introduced the main character of Heart of steel, Dominique Thorne to Downey. The 33-year-old expressed how “generous” and “encouraging” the actor was towards Thorne after they had the opportunity to connect.

“I kind of had the honor of introducing [Downey Jr. and Thorne]. They didn’t know each other and hadn’t spoken before, so I put them in touch. He is so incredibly generous and sweet and gives himself a lot of his time and he was so happy to talk to her and encourage her. That was really nice.”

It’s honestly no surprise that Ehrenreich would turn to RDJ for advice. The 57-year-old has been part of the Marvel franchise since 2008, playing the beloved character Tony Stark/Iron Man and has appeared in about 10 projects, including the brief cameo The incredible Hulk.

As previously reported by We Got This Covered, Downey’s portrayal of Stark in nine films and the added cameo is monumental because it crowns the star as the longest-running Marvel character. Downey’s last appearance as Stark was in 2019 avenger endgame, where his character tragically dies after sacrificing himself to save the world from Thanos.

While it’s not known if Downey will return to Marvel, it’s good to hear he’s encouraging the incoming group of the likes of Ehrenreich and Throne.