Robert Downey Jr. Reflects on Tony Stark’s Lasting Impact at SXSW Disney Panel

It’s been a wild ride for Robert Downey Jr., and he’s not shy about letting us know how much playing Iron Man has shaped his life. At a Disney panel during SXSW this weekend, the actor stepped into the spotlight to share some heartfelt thoughts about his time as Tony Stark. For those of us who’ve followed his journey, it’s clear this role isn’t just another gig—it’s something that’s stuck with him deeply.

He didn’t hold back when he said, ’17 years I’ve been associated with this iconic superhero … it’s the message he represents that I’m grateful for. Tony Stark opened my eyes wider to the power technology has to impact the world for good, and that’s something I’ll carry for the rest of my life.’

That’s a pretty big deal coming from a guy who’s been Tony Stark since the first Iron Man movie hit theaters back in 2008. The role kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe, turning a lesser-known comic book character into a global name—and Downey Jr. into the face of a franchise.

What’s cool is how he ties Tony Stark’s tech-savvy vibe to something real. The character’s all about using brains and gadgets to fix problems, and Downey Jr. seems to have taken that to heart. He’s not just reminiscing about the past, though.

His appearance at SXSW was tied to some fresh Disney projects, including a new ride called Stark Flight Lab at Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus. This attraction lets visitors step into Tony’s workshop, testing out his inventions with high-tech pods and a giant robot arm—stuff straight out of the movies.

Hearing him talk at SXSW, you get the sense that Tony Stark isn’t just a role he played—it’s a part of who he is now. For me, it’s wild to think one character could leave such a mark, but Downey Jr. makes it sound like a privilege worth carrying forever.