Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Among all the characters he has portrayed on screen, Robert Downey Jr. is arguably the most well-known and closest to his Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Tony Stark/Iron Man.
But that pales in comparison to the vicious fight Downey Jr. got into with probably a more terrifying person in one of their lesser-known films than the Marvel ones. TheDolittlestar was thrilled to be cast as Terry Donager in the 1999 filmBlack and White,where he would attack former professional boxer Mike Tyson. But theIron Manstar’s constant questions to the director, James Toback, about whether or not he had informed Tyson about the fight also suggested how worried he was about his own safety.
Gaby Hoffmann, Allan Houston, Jared Leto, Scott Caan, Claudia Schiffer, Brooke Shields, and Bijou Phillips were among the other actors who starred inBlack and White.
RELATED:“A director that doesn’t have any balls”: Mickey Rourke Went to Russian Prisons for Iron Man 2, Robert Downey Jr. Was Asked to Stay Out of His Way
Robert Downey Jr.’s Nerve-Wracking Situation While Engaging With Mike Tyson
This happened in 1999 when the two prominent figures were cast in James Toback’sBlack and White.Mike Tysonplayed himself in the film, which starredRobert Downey Jr.as the homosexual spouse of documentary filmmaker Sam Donager (Brooke Shields).The director shared withLive Journalthat he thought Tyson and Downey Jr. were a perfect fit for the role. He stated:
“My intuition is that interesting people are more interesting right after they have suffered. It opens them up even further. I felt that both of them would be very good in the movie and good together.”
The filmmaker took note of theIron Manactor’s response when he inquired about the role he would like to play:
“‘Why don’t I play the gay husband of Brooke Shields?’ I said, ‘Good. Why don’t you play the gay husband of Brooke Shields who hits on Mike Tyson?’
However, Downey Jr. did not realize until the very last moment whether Toback had informed Tyson that theOppenheimerstar was going to hit him. It is possible that he was worried about his life before making a move on the former professional boxer. TheBugsywriter remarked:
“No. Downey said, ‘What if he gets angry?’ I said, ‘I would assume he would.’ He said, ‘How far do you want me to take it?’ I said, ‘Take it until he responds in the extreme.’ Downey responded, ‘What if he kills me?’ I said, ‘Well, I haven’t thought about that. I think it’s unlikely—no better than a 5% chance.”
RELATED:“They’d look like an idiot”: Robert Downey Jr. Claimed Even Great Hollywood Stars Would Have Looked Awful in Iron Man Suit Without His Grueling Training
More About Robert Downey Jr.’sBlack and White
Not only did James Tomback direct, but he also served as a writer forBlack and White.Along with Brooke Shields and Mike Tyson, a long list of other celebrities were cast in the film, including Ben Stiller, Kidada Jones, James Handy, Robert Downey Jr., Jared Leto, Scott Caan, Claudia Schiffer, and Bijou Phillips. Michael B. Jordan also appeared in his film debut. Tyson performed as himself, and Shields adopted the role of Sam Donager.
According to some, however,Black and White‘s behind-the-scenes activities garnered greater media attention than the movie itself.At the time, Shields, 50, discussed the film’s production withEntertainment Weekly, saying:
”There were a lot of things that happened that were nonprofessional and continued to happen. It was pure decadence. But you can’t be in a situation like that and fight it… I’ve never been so basically uncomfortable. You never, ever knew what was going to happen.”
The $5 million film, which took place in New York City, focused on Sam Shields, a documentary filmmaker, and her husband, Terry Donager (Downey Jr.), who got into a physical fight with Tyson that Sam recorded on camera.
Black and Whiteis available to rent on Apple TV.
Also read:“Who doesn’t love a good paycheck”: Fans Slam Robert Downey Jr. for Reportedly Agreeing to MCU Return
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
