Aug 24, 2026 2:24pm IST
Joe Russo Recalls Telling Robert Downey Jr. About Tony Stark’s Death In ‘Avengers: Endgame’
Marvel Studios is releasing “Avengers: Endgame Encore” in September to provide audiences with the chance to relive the epic film.
Joe Russo and the other makers decided to end Tony Stark’s arc while discussing the film on a chaise lounge in Robert Downey Jr.’s backyard. During a podcast conversation, Joe Russo and Robert Downey Jr. opened up about Tony Stark’s death in the movie, which remains one of the MCU’s most emotional moments.
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According to director Joe Russo, deciding on the end of Iron Man was debatable but they had to keep at it. He also remembered having a difficult conversation with Downey Jr. “We try to investigate all angles, right? Everything’s up for grabs. We always say the best idea wins,” Russo explained. He revealed that the team eventually realised Tony’s death could be the boldest choice. Russo shared, “There was a moment where we thought they’re not expecting it. This could be the best place to possibly do it.”
But pitching it to Downey was the harder part. “We had had this cemented in our minds for quite a while before we actually went and pitched it to him. This is the character he’s been playing for 20 years of his life,” he added.
Downey Jr. shared his part of the conversation, opening up on embracing unexpected creative choices. He recalled the making of “Captain America: Civil War,” while sharing, “When you know the notes you’re playing… I want you to be this really kind of edgy rhythm section. You go, ‘Okay, great, that’s the assignment. Thank you.'"
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The Russo brothers’ approach to Tony’s evolution began with “Captain America: Civil War,” where they deliberately pushed the character into morally complicated territory. “It may sound like you’re the bad guy, but you’re not. It’s going to be complicated. It’s gonna be textured. People are gonna pick sides,” he shared. That creative gamble ultimately paved the way for Tony’s final sacrifice and brought the journey of the character to a powerful close.
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