Robert Downey Jr. Talks IRON MAN 3 And Sir Ben Kingsley's Mandarin

Downey talks more about Marvel Studios' Iron Man 3, praising Ben Kingsley's villainous Mandarin and saying that the character will "probably" steal the show. He also comments on bonding with Kingsley on the set of the highly anticipated threequel.

By PaulRom - Jan 30, 2013 10:01 AM EST

Filed Under: Iron Man

Entertainment Weekly has posted today's segment from their extensive interview with Iron Man 3 star Robert Downey Jr., and in the third segment of a five-part chat, the actor discusses the role of Sir Ben Kingsley's Mandarin in the anticipated Marvel sequel. Reiterating prior comments made about the Oscar award winning actor's take on the legendary villain, Downey says that Kingsley will likely steal the show. "Sir Ben is probably going to steal the movie. There are a lot of contenders who may, but right now he’s probably at the top of that list. He came in as, obviously – speaking of training – as such a technically proficient instrument. And then what proceeded to happen was the release of more vintage, old-school Favreau [improv] stuff with a Shane Black twist on it. It was kind of frightening to witness, I’ll tell you that much."

Downey also commented on bonding with Kingsley after his accident while filming Iron Man 3, which resulted in a sprained ankle and production coming to a halt. "We hadn’t worked together so we shared only Lord Attenborough, and yeah, of course, there was a connection. We took some pictures together to send Dickie, which must be the strangest visual for him to see — the two of us playing the bad guy and the good guy. We shot them out in front of a mansion in Miami, it was a magical place, actually. [Vizcaya] was an interesting place, very cool. And it was an interesting time. As you know, I busted my ankle [in August] and we shut down for a little while, and it ended up being great for us. It was the first time [on any movie] in my personal history we got the creative luxury of being able to stop about two-thirds of the way through and really recalibrate everything and prepare for all of the hurdles ahead. And the mainstay of the Ben/Mandarin was kind of up next and straight away throughout, and then lots of Rhodey stuff and lots of fight stuff." Finally, EW brings up the fact that, with Disney (who owns Marvel) now owning the Star Wars franchise, the likes of Tony Stark, Jack Sparrow and Han Solo are now "Disney heroes" of sorts. Downey's reply? "Wow, I had not thought of it like that. It’s good for the universe. Office party!" Stay tuned to CBM for more of Entertainment Weekly's interview with the actor later this week.

Iron Man 3 stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, Jon Favreau and Sir Ben Kingsley. The film is set to hit theaters May 3rd this year.

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39 Comments

superotherside - 1/30/2013, 11:08 AM

RDJ is one of the coolest actors ever.

superpooper - 1/30/2013, 11:08 AM

I really hope RDJ doesn't start getting loaded again. It very easy to forget that you're an addict when everything is going so well. He's an inspiration to a lot of people who are suffering and I hope he stays strong for our sake :)

Kingdork - 1/30/2013, 11:09 AM

Can't wait to see what Kingsley brought to the Mandarin. Finally Iron Man facing a REAL villain for once.

DefcoN - 1/30/2013, 11:13 AM

At this point I think everyone wants Kingsley to become a memorable villain. High hopes on that.

TheAmazingSpidey63 - 1/30/2013, 11:14 AM

RESPECT to Mr. Robert Downey Jr. That man is so down to earth and chill, so glad he's on a good track. A legend, an artist, a talented, takented man, kudos to RDJ! :)

Stay EPIC, my friends!!

FirstAvenger - 1/30/2013, 11:20 AM

Got to love RDJ!

ATrueHero1987 - 1/30/2013, 11:22 AM

@MrYurMomm Most celebs do.

MrReese - 1/30/2013, 11:27 AM

lol disney heroes XD Mandarin better [frick] shit up!!

SageMode - 1/30/2013, 11:28 AM

Now that there's a better understanding of why the Mandarin isn't portrayed by a Chinese or oriental Asian actor, I'm at better ease. Kingsley is gonna own this role. trust

Nomadic1 - 1/30/2013, 11:35 AM

This may be the best cbm of 2013. C'mon new trailer!

spidey1994 - 1/30/2013, 11:40 AM

Robert Downey Jr: Professional Badass

Nomadic1 - 1/30/2013, 11:46 AM

Years ago he may have been wasted but he still made good stuff. Well, some good..

Greengo - 1/30/2013, 12:04 PM

It's SIR Ben!

Greengo - 1/30/2013, 12:05 PM

You bastards!!!

Fogs - 1/30/2013, 12:06 PM

GUSTO'S BACK!

Is it really him? In all his wicked nature?

TheFascinatingMan - 1/30/2013, 12:57 PM

Herro.

@Gusto LOL

SpideyQuad - 1/30/2013, 1:14 PM

herro?

Durf - 1/30/2013, 1:28 PM

Gotta love RDJ. And it sounds like Sir Ben is going to be awesome as The Mandarin. I would have preferred he was Chinese, but if they can convince me it's unimportant I will be ok. I guess

IronLantern79 - 1/30/2013, 1:55 PM

Robert Downy Jr. is top notch. Classy and yet still one of those celebs who remains down to Earth and just plain out cool. He IS Tony Stark.

http://www.gofundme.com/1x9bdw?pc=fb_cr

beane2099 - 1/30/2013, 4:23 PM

Ha. I live about 30 minutes from Vizcaya (or more depending on traffic). It's a pretty awesome place. It's cool that they filmed down here. Miami is a great setting. Wish they'd do more movies here (and CSI Miami doesn't count - very little of that was actually shot here).

Kyos - 1/30/2013, 4:26 PM

RDJ rocks!

Logan5 - 1/30/2013, 4:54 PM

"SIr Ben Kingsley's mandarin.."

:-P

Logan5 - 1/30/2013, 5:52 PM

^it totally will.., that just sounded funny.

figuresmaniac - 1/31/2013, 5:08 AM

It is so cool Favreau still supports this movie instead of being a jerk and bitchin

Robert Downey Jr. Talks IRON MAN 3 And Sir Ben Kingsley's Mandarin

Downey talks more about Marvel Studios' Iron Man 3, praising Ben Kingsley's villainous Mandarin and saying that the character will "probably" steal the show. He also comments on bonding with Kingsley on the set of the highly anticipated threequel.

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