When Tony Stark snapped his fingers in Avengers: Endgame, it wasn't just the end of a character—it was the end of an era. For 11 years, Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man was the beating heart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a journey that began when Jon Favreau cast him in 2008's Iron Man. But even Favreau, the man who helped kickstart the entire franchise, had serious doubts about killing off the beloved hero.
During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Favreau opened up about his initial opposition to the iconic death scene. According to the director, he personally called the Russo brothers to voice his concerns. 'I don't know if people are going to like—I think it's going to really impact people because there were kids who grew up with that character,' Favreau recalled saying.
Favreau, who also played Happy Hogan in the MCU, worried that the emotional toll on fans might be too heavy. But after seeing the final cut, he changed his tune. 'I have to tell you, it was handled so well by them, and Gwyneth and Robert did such a wonderful job acting,' he admitted. 'I think they did a wonderful job. I was wrong. I was wrong. I was choked up!'
The moment remains one of cinema's most powerful superhero sacrifices, a fitting capstone to the Infinity Saga. It's a testament to how far the character came—from a billionaire playboy in a cave to a selfless hero willing to give everything. For fans who grew up with Stark, the ending was both heartbreaking and perfect, a rare combination that Favreau now fully appreciates.
Interestingly, Downey Jr. is set to return to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday, but not as Iron Man. He'll be playing the Fantastic Four villain Doctor Doom, a twist that has fans buzzing. The film also brings back Chris Evans as Captain America, despite Steve Rogers' happy ending in Endgame. The cast is massive, including Chris Hemsworth's Thor, Paul Rudd's Ant-Man, and even pre-MCU actors like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen.
For those who want to revisit the emotional climax, Avengers: Endgame is streaming on Disney+. And if you're in the mood for more perfect endings, check out our list of The Most Perfect Action Movie Endings Ever, Ranked.
Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026. Until then, the MCU library on Disney+ offers plenty of rewatch value—including the film that started it all, Iron Man, which is getting renewed attention ahead of Downey Jr.'s villainous turn.
Favreau's candid admission is a reminder that even the creators behind these stories can be surprised by their impact. As he put it, 'Even though it's a movie, those characters have been part of my life for so long.' For millions of fans, the feeling is mutual.
