Robert Downey Jr: "Last time we saw him as this hapless, charming prick who has his ass handed to him, and turns it around and then is almost snuffed by the very person he thought he could trust above everyone else. To dial it back a little bit, you have to imagine that just because someone has a life-changing experience doesn’t really mean they’ve changed. Tony is seeking solace in the archetype. It’s one thing to say you’re Iron Man and it’s another thing to actually be a righteous person. I think he struggles with that because he’s not really all that different."
So, Tony Stark has to wrestle with that?
Robert Downey Jr: "Oh, sure. That’s not really the point of this one, but if he has a birthday party, expect it to go desperately sour."
Has the prospect of The Avengers set in for you yet?
Robert Downey Jr: "Not entirely. I’m not as savvy about that stuff. I just know that, right now, we’ve got a really good thing going on and it’s most important to not sully that. So, I’ll listen to the professionals and I’ll just keep selling soap until otherwise notified."
You had such a great year with Iron Man and Tropic Thunder, and now you have Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man 2. Are you feeling it? Is the Robert Downey, Jr. renaissance in full swing?
Robert Downey Jr: [Laughing] "The best thing I can do, and I think this is the thing that’s been my saving grace, is consider myself a worker amongst workers. When I deviate from that, things just don’t turn out so sweet for me."
Can you talk about Due Date?
Robert Downey Jr: "I’m doing it."
And you’re the straight man to Zach Galifianakis?
Robert Downey Jr: "What?! Why would I want to do that? I think Zach and I will have a nice time."
