When Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Iron Man for the 2008 film of the same name, it was widely considered his comeback role.
The former child star and Oscar nominee has been very public about his battle with addiction, which he says in part was fostered by his father.
From 1996 through 2001, Downey was arrested several times on charges related to drugs including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.
In 1999, after failing a drug test, the actor was sentenced to three years in a prison for inmates who have substance abuse issues. After a year, he was granted early release, and began acting again in 2000.
His role in The Avengers in 2008 earned Downey Jr. a new generation of fans who now knew him as the armoured, sarcastic superhero.
However, after appearing as Iron Man in no less than 10 Marvel films since 2008, the actor has decided to hang up his suit once and for all.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige plainly revealed Iron Man would not be a returning character.
”We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again,” Feige said, when asked if Downey Jr. would return to Marvel.
“We all worked very hard for many years to get to that, and we would never want to magically undo it in any way.”
If you or someone you know is in need of support for mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 1800 198 024.