Robert Downey Jr. was added to the audition list just like that, though whether he could win the role would depend entirely on his performance during the audition.
"What about the casting for Black Widow and Pepper Potts?" Kevin Feige asked.
"I already have someone in mind for Black Widow. As for Pepper, we'll pick her through the audition," Gilbert replied.
Pepper's character was set as a mature female assistant, so a very young actress was out of the question. The most suitable candidates were naturally those born in the 1960s or 1970s.
Although Gilbert had known Gwyneth Paltrow for years, he wasn't planning to cast her. While Gwyneth had the right temperament, she wasn't quite pretty enough for what he envisioned.
In Gilbert's mind, the best choices would be Naomi Watts or Charlize Theron—Cameron Diaz could also work.
However, both Naomi Watts and Charlize Theron were top-tier Hollywood actresses, commanding salaries of $20 million each. As for Cameron Diaz, she had already transitioned behind the camera and was perfectly content clocking in every day.
Thinking about it, if they had that kind of money to hire Naomi Watts or Charlize Theron, they might as well just bring in Tom Cruise instead.
The audition was scheduled for July. By that time, Gilbert would have wrapped up work on Batman Begins, giving him some spare time to check in on the auditions.
Marvel Studios, however, released the news early, letting everyone in Hollywood know that auditions for the film were about to begin.
Normally, for a new studio's first movie, few Hollywood actors—especially A-list stars—would pay much attention.
But this was different. Word had spread that Marvel's new project had a $140 million budget and was holding open auditions for its leads. Even top-tier stars were tempted and immediately asked their agents to secure them an opportunity.
Tom Cruise even called Gilbert personally. "If it weren't for that project you and I discussed, I might have tried out for it myself."
Gilbert laughed. "Come on, Tom. Marvel's a new studio—they can't afford your salary."
Tom Cruise replied, "If you were directing it yourself, I'd be willing to cut my fee."
"Hahaha, I appreciate that, but we've got plenty to keep us busy this year—and Mission: Impossible 3 isn't even finished yet," Gilbert said.
"That's true," Tom said, brightening up at the thought. "I've read the script—it's really interesting. You can't hand this project to anyone else."
"Of course not…"
In truth, when it came to roles like that, Tom Hanks—who had worked with Gilbert before—might have been a better fit, since he was a natural at such characters.
But Tom Cruise had his own unique strengths—advantages Tom Hanks couldn't replicate.
Cruise's marriage with Nicole Kidman was blissful, and the couple had just welcomed their second child, a baby boy. Gilbert had even been the one to name him—Jerry.
At the time, Cruise had teased Gilbert, saying the name lacked creativity. "What is this, Tom and Jerry?"
But since Gilbert was the child's godfather, his choice was final, and so the name Jerry Cruise—the most talked-about second-generation star in Hollywood—was set.
Nicole Kidman even joked about arranging a childhood engagement between her son and Gilbert's daughter, but Gilbert refused outright.
He believed marriage was a lifelong matter that parents shouldn't decide for their children. As long as the kids grew up happy and stayed out of trouble, that was enough.
The Cruise couple agreed, thinking that as long as their children grew up playing together, friendship was good enough.
Because of his flawless marriage and spotless public image, Tom Cruise's commercial value now far exceeded that of other Hollywood leading men of his era.
If you wanted to witness Cruise at his absolute peak, this was the time.
The only criticism people had left for him was his involvement with Scientology—but since he was practically the movement's second or third most important figure, he was living quite comfortably.
Back to Iron Man—after discussions with Gilbert, Kevin Feige officially reached out to Jon Favreau, who showed great interest in directing the film.
And how could he not be interested? This was an A-list production. Though he would have to work under producer Kevin Feige and Gilbert, it was still a huge opportunity to direct a major blockbuster.
Every director who came to Hollywood dreamed of one day leading a large-scale production and making their name known.
So Jon Favreau didn't hesitate for a second. After enthusiastically signing the director's contract, he dove straight into pre-production.
Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. was still stuck playing side characters in TV shows and movies—or appearing in music videos, often not even as the lead.
He had simply burned too many bridges before, and his public image was in tatters.
Although he was doing his best to present himself as a reformed man, without someone influential to give him a chance, he would probably stay stuck in that rut forever.
But then, opportunity arrived. He received an invitation from Marvel Studios to audition.
"This is huge, Robert!" his wife, Susan Downey, exclaimed excitedly. "Marvel Studios wants you to audition! I heard you were personally chosen by Gilbert to join the shortlist."
Robert Downey Jr. was stunned. "Really?"
"Of course! Why would I lie to you?" Susan continued, "This is a $140 million blockbuster! If you land the lead, your career will be reborn."
Robert clenched his fists. "That's amazing. I have to grab this chance. Susan, buy every Iron Man comic you can find—I'm going to study Tony Stark inside and out."
"Got it!" Susan replied without hesitation.
To earn this role, Robert threw himself into preparation.
He knew Gilbert hadn't chosen him because of the Downey family's connections, but because Gilbert had seen something in him—something that resonated with Tony Stark.
So Robert worked tirelessly to find the similarities between himself and Tony, determined to make the casting directors see Tony Stark the moment he stepped into the audition room.
While Robert Downey Jr. trained hard, countless other actors were also fighting to get in the door.
As for Pepper Potts, Gwyneth Paltrow might have felt awkward contacting Gilbert directly, so she asked Steven Spielberg for help.
Spielberg immediately called Gilbert. "Gilbert, do me a favor—just give Gwyneth a chance to audition."
"You make it sound like I'm heartless," Gilbert chuckled. "Alright, she can audition. But if her performance isn't good enough…"
"I understand," Spielberg said. "All she needs is a shot—the rest is up to her."
It was just an audition, after all—nothing more. If Gwyneth didn't deliver, they could simply cut her later.
The role of Pepper Potts had become the perfect opportunity for once-famous actresses hoping for a comeback and even long-time supporting actresses were eager to try their luck.
Then Sheena Boone approached Gilbert. "Can you give Kate a chance?"
"Oh?" Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "Kate Beckinsale? I heard she left Michael Ovitz and signed with you."
"Yes," Sheena explained. "After Pearl Harbor and Van Helsing both underperformed, she lost Ovitz's confidence. When her contract expired last month, she joined me."
Gilbert sighed. "If she had known this would happen, she should've taken my movie back then. Look at Elizabeth Banks—she's doing much better than Kate now."
Sheena Boone said, "Everyone's fate and choices are different. But she's come around now. I think Pepper Potts in Iron Man really suits her, so I wanted to fight for this opportunity."
"Is that so?" Gilbert rubbed his chin. "If I remember correctly, Kate studied at Oxford University, though she didn't graduate. She majored in literature—a real goddess of the arts. That's not my opinion; her fans said it. Don't look at me like that."
Sheena Boone gave him a knowing look and added, "If you're willing, she's not opposed either. After all these years, she understands that without the help of powerful people, she's nothing."
"What do you mean if I'm willing? Do I look like someone who takes advantage of others in tough times?"
Seeing that Sheena Boone still didn't believe him, Gilbert said, "Alright, alright. For your sake, I'll give her a chance to audition. But let me make it clear—"
"I know—everything depends on her audition performance," Sheena Boone finished his sentence and thanked him. "Thank you for giving Kate this chance. I'm sure she'll be grateful."
"You're welcome. Just make sure she prepares well for the audition."
Gilbert hadn't expected that even the role of Pepper Potts would become so sought after. Then again, it made sense—though the role was somewhat ornamental, it was still part of an A-list production, and chances like that didn't come every day.
As for the role of Black Widow that had been mentioned, it wasn't open for auditions at all—it had long been secured by Scarlett.
In Gilbert's plan for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Widow was the key figure connecting many superheroes and would continue to appear in future films.
Of course, all the childish romantic subplots were removed at Gilbert's insistence, even though several screenwriters objected.
In Gilbert's view, Black Widow was a mischievous superhero who teased the others, but in her mind, love was just a game for children.
That didn't mean she lacked emotion—she was compassionate, shared camaraderie with Hawkeye, and formed deep friendships with other heroes.
This would be an important theme highlighted in later movies, adding depth to the films.
Of course, all of this depended on whether Iron Man succeeded. If it flopped, there would be no "later" at all.
....
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