How Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Paved Downey Jr’s Path to Iron Man

Many assume Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the Hollywood spotlight began with his portrayal of Tony Stark. Yet, it was a sharp-witted comedy from 2005 that truly set the stage for his Marvel breakthrough. Downey Jr. himself has described Kiss Kiss Bang Bang as “the best film I’ve ever done”

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is, I think, in some ways the best film I’ve ever done. It wound up being a calling card. It came out, and it bombed, but Jon Favreau saw it, and he said, ‘This guy could do an action movie.’ And so that wound up being my calling card into the Marvel Universe.

(via PowerfulJRE/YouTube).

In this film, Downey Jr. takes on the role of Harry Lockhart, a small-time thief who stumbles into an audition for a detective film while fleeing the police. He lands the part and is soon mentored by Val Kilmer’s Perry van Shrike, a private investigator. Michelle Monaghan’s Harmony Faith Lane joins the pair, and together they become embroiled in a rather tangled murder case. The character of Harry, with his quick wit and underlying vulnerability, served as a sort of rehearsal for the billionaire genius he would later play in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Downey Jr.’s Defining Performance

Recently, audiences have revisited a particular scene from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, one that arguably cemented Downey Jr. as a contender for the role of Tony Stark. His audition sequence in the film not only impressed the fictional filmmakers on screen but also left a mark on viewers, showcasing a rawness and insecurity that would later become hallmarks of his Marvel character. As one commentator put it,

Robert Downey Jr. says this movie is why he became Iron Man. On Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), he’s said it’s “one of the best movies I’ve ever made” — when his career was hanging by a thread. Jon Favreau saw his life witty and vulnerable just like Tony.

Downey Jr. has often expressed gratitude for the opportunities the film provided. He even helped director Shane Black secure a place in the Marvel fold, with Black later directing the third Iron Man instalment. Since then, Downey Jr. has enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence, including an Oscar for Oppenheimer and a reported nine-figure payday for Avengers: Doomsday.

Why Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Deserves a Spot on Your Watchlist

Shane Black’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a neo-noir action comedy that’s well worth revisiting, especially during the festive season. The plot sees Downey Jr. and Kilmer’s characters stumbling upon a corpse during a staged stakeout, drawing them into a web of intrigue. Despite the dark premise, the film maintains a breezy, buddy-comedy tone, with brisk pacing and visually engaging set pieces.

The chemistry between Downey Jr. and Kilmer is a highlight, with both actors delivering performances full of energy and wit. Kilmer reportedly even gave up drinking on set to support Downey Jr.’s recovery, a gesture that speaks to the camaraderie behind the scenes. Black’s script is cleverly constructed, with the director ensuring that something exciting happens every 28 minutes to keep viewers engaged.

Despite its modest box office returns—earning just $800,000 above its $15 million budget—the film has since been recognised as one of the most underrated releases of the 2000s. It holds an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.5 on IMDb, and a 73 on Metacritic. The screenplay is adapted from Brett Halliday’s novel Bodies Are Where You Find Them.

Downey Jr.’s Road Back to the Big Screen

Downey Jr.’s journey to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was far from straightforward. In 1996, he was arrested for possession of drugs and a firearm, leading to a prison sentence in 1999 after several parole breaches. His time behind bars proved transformative, and with support from friends such as Mel Gibson, he began to rebuild his life and career. Still, re-entering the industry was no easy feat.

He appeared in Gothika in 2003, though much of his salary was withheld until filming wrapped due to concerns about his addiction. Around this time, Shane Black’s script for Kiss Kiss Bang Bang landed on his desk. The project had been turned down by several studios before Joel Silver agreed to produce it. Other actors, including Benicio del Toro, Hugh Grant, and Johnny Knoxville, were considered for the lead, but Downey Jr. ultimately secured the role—partly because his fee fit the film’s limited budget. He was reportedly paid a sum similar to the $500,000 he received for Iron Man.

What are your thoughts on this overlooked comedy? Would you consider adding it to your festive viewing list? Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is currently available to rent on Amazon and AppleTV.