As influencers continue to dominate worldwide, Robert Downey Jr. is making it clear he does not believe they are the “stars of the future.”
The “Iron Man” star, who rose to fame in the mid-1980s and later became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, recently slammed the influencer culture, likening influencers to “evangelical hucksters.”
His remarks have since sparked backlash online, with many social media users accusing the actor of hypocrisy.
In an appearance on the “Conversations for our Daughters” podcast, Downey Jr. cleared some things off his chest about social media fame and influencer culture. He noted how the entertainment industry has evolved, as becoming famous back in his younger years was way different from today.
“In the late ’70s, early ’80s, dangerous though it was, there was this sense that the competition wasn’t so stiff that you shouldn’t even bother trying,” Downey Jr. explained to host Bran Ferren. “Whereas, nowadays, people can create a celebrity without ever doing much besides rolling a phone on themselves.”
Although the “Oppenheimer” actor admitted his comments might sound harsh, he said he does not completely see the change as a bad thing. However, he dismissed the idea that influencers would become the biggest stars in entertainment.
“When I hear people talk about, ‘Oh, the stars of the future are going to be influencers,’ I go, ‘I don’t know what world you’re living in, but I think that that is absolute horseshit,’” the Oscar winner declared.
The 61-year-old went on to recall his 13-year-old son getting drawn into a gaming stream where viewers donate money to creators and taking to touring that path. He then compared influencers to “the evangelical hucksters of the Information Age.”
Downey Jr.’s remarks quickly went mainstream, with many social media users criticizing him for attacking influencer culture while earning huge amounts from Hollywood movies himself.
One X user wrote, “You are as overpaid and overhyped as these influencers. The world evolves. Remember, before movie and TV performers, theater actors were the biggest entertainers.”
Another critic commented, “Rich coming from a guy getting paid $100 million for two films with limited screen time.”
A third user remarked that it was not a good look for someone as successful as Downey Jr. to cast shade on “those still trying.”
Others accused the actor of hypocrisy, with one commenter calling him a “greedy f—” who should not complain after making millions from Disney superhero films. Another user warned him to “stop acting as if celebrities should be idolized.”
Robert Downey Jr. Overtaken As Highest-Grossing Lead Star Ever
As criticism continued online, Downey Jr. has also lost his spot as one of Hollywood’s biggest box office stars after Scarlett Johansson moved ahead thanks to the success of “Jurassic World: Rebirth” last year.
According to The Blast, the movie pushed Johansson’s career earnings in leading roles to $14.61 billion worldwide, slightly ahead of both Samuel L. Jackson and Downey Jr., whose total stands at $14.3 billion.
Johansson’s achievement stands out even more because she reached the milestone with fewer movies. While Downey Jr. built his total across 45 films, Johansson did it in just 36.
Why Marvel Brought Robert Downey Jr. Back
Even though he lost the top spot, Downey Jr. could still make a major comeback with his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Avengers: Doomsday.”
Marvel boss Kevin Feige has since spoken about recasting Downey Jr., explaining that the studio never ruled out bringing him back after “Avengers: Endgame” ended Tony Stark’s story.
Instead of reviving “Iron Man,” the production chose an unexpected route by casting Downey Jr. as iconic villain Doctor Doom in upcoming films.
Per Entertainment Weekly, Feige explained that the idea came as Downey Jr. was receiving widespread acclaim for Oppenheimer, leading the studio to believe he could reinvent himself.
Benedict Cumberbatch Says Doctor Strange Will Not Return
While fans are excited for the next installment set to premiere in December, they should not expect to see Doctor Strange in the movie.
As The Blast reported, Benedict Cumberbatch revealed b that the character was removed from the film after the production changed its plans following the fallout surrounding Jonathan Majors.
He added that the Time Stone Guardian was originally tied more closely to a larger storyline when Majors’ villain Kang was expected to lead the franchise’s next era.
However, after Majors was fired following his assault conviction, Marvel reportedly shifted direction creatively.