Robert Downey Jr. Talks ‘Iron Man’ And How It Almost Never Happened

After starting out the summer with a box office bang, Robert Downey Jr. stopped by Access Hollywood to talk about the success of “Iron Man,” the upcoming sequel and how he almost didn’t get a chance to suit up in Tony Stark’s armor.

Robert, who had to work hard to land the lead in “Iron Man,” attributed his success to his tenacity and determination.

“I thought I would be perfect for the part. But, they weren’t necessarily thinking of me right away,” he told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush. “Jon [Favreau, the director] said, ‘Look it’s probably not going to happen.’ And I said, ‘Well listen, I’m not going to give up.’ Which is kind of unlike me. Usually I’d be like, ‘I don’t want to embarrass myself.’”

Throwing caution to the wind paid off for Robert. “Iron Man” opened at the top of the weekend box office, raking in a Tony Stark-worthy haul of over $100 million, which leads to the obvious question of a sequel for “Iron Man.”

“I’m really proud of what Jon and I did, and the fact that Gwyneth (who he affectionately refers to as “Iron Woman”) and Terrence, and Jeff Bridges all showed up for this movie,” he told Access. “And [I’m] certain that all of us will be back to reprise our roles. It’s cool. It’s kind of like a really big a** series.”

In fact, Robert is already thinking about the physical preparations needed for “Iron Man 2.”

“I’m 43, I used to work out for six weeks and I look good for six years,” he said. “Now, I work out for six months, and I look good for six minutes. By the time the other one comes out I’ll be 45, this is going to start getting really ridiculous!”

Regardless of upcoming sequels, Robert is taking time to enjoy the perks of playing a successful super hero in Hollywood.

“I ran into Tobey [Maguire] at the Lakers game. I had floor seats that Brad Grey gave me from Paramount,” he said. “Tobey’s showing me the lay of the land.”

Robert is also reveling in his chance to play an unassuming super hero, like Laker buddy Tobey does in “Spiderman”, saying, “We’re like maybe nerds even. Mild nerd factor here.”

As for the possibility of an “Iron Man” trilogy, Robert was mum, but said whatever happens, he plans to bring his best.

“I’m just stoked standing here talking about the first one having done so well,” Robert said. “Jon and I will roll up our sleeves and do what we do best together, which is kind of recreate the platform for the character to evolve.”