Robert Downey Jr’s Blunt Take on Indie Films Sparks Debate

Robert Downey Jr. is often seen as the poster child for Hollywood blockbusters, especially after his iconic role in Iron Man. When he first joined the Marvel universe, no one could have guessed just how massive the franchise would become. Downey has never shied away from his role in shaping the modern movie landscape. In fact, he’s leaned into it. Even after the Marvel machine started to lose steam and the Avengers storyline seemed to wrap up, he agreed to play Dr. Doom in two upcoming films.

What many might not realize is that Downey’s roots are firmly planted in the world of independent film. He began acting as a child on the sets of his father’s low-budget, experimental movies —projects that were as unconventional as they come, made by a group of free-spirited filmmakers. Downey found mainstream fame in his twenties, overcame personal struggles, and staged a comeback that could have been ripped from a Hollywood script. Since then, he’s remained at the top of the industry.

Downey’s Harsh Words for Indie Productions

Given his background, you might expect Downey to have a soft spot for movies made for the love of the art. But that’s not the case. In a 2015 interview, he made it clear that he doesn’t hold independent films in high regard.

While blockbusters could sometimes “suck,” it was the “little movies” that could be the most punishing.

He described how these productions often fall behind schedule and require actors to work on days off, including birthdays and holidays. He also mentioned being asked to cover costs like craft services, only to end up promoting the film at festivals for little financial reward. Downey didn’t hold back, calling the filmmakers behind these projects

“inexperienced and lame”

and dismissing them as wannabe artists.

This attitude comes off as dismissive, especially considering the passion and dedication that drive many independent filmmakers. In 2024, Brady Corbet, director of the acclaimed film The Brutalist, shared that he made “zero dollars” from his work, highlighting the financial struggles many indie directors face. When someone like Downey, who can command $20 million just for showing up, complains about pitching in for lunch, it’s tough for many to sympathize.

On-Set Behavior and Industry Perspective

Downey’s comments about working on holidays also raise questions about the working conditions for the rest of the cast and crew, who often put in long hours for a fraction of his pay. His reputation for being difficult on set isn’t new. Director David Fincher, who worked with Downey on Zodiac, recalled that the actor was so frustrated with the demanding schedule that he protested by urinating in mason jars and leaving them around the set. Not exactly a team player, especially for the crew members who had to deal with the aftermath.

Despite his criticisms of indie films, Downey has occasionally taken on projects for less money. For example, he accepted a significant pay cut to appear in Oppenheimer. Of course, “significant” is relative—he still earned $4 million and walked away with an Oscar, instead of his usual $20 million. It’s a move that some might call generous, but it’s a far cry from the sacrifices made by those working in independent cinema.