Robert Downey Jr. Still an Inspiration After 12 Years
Iron Man 3, one of the most unforgettable moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is remembered not only for Robert Downey Jr.’s performance but also for the other members of its cast. One of the film’s stars, Stephanie Szostak, revealed that the experience remains a part of her life even years later. In an interview for her new film, Soul on Fire, the actress stated that working with Downey Jr. left a lasting impression on her career.
Robert Downey Jr. Continues to Inspire
Szostak stated that she still remembers her time on the set of Iron Man 3 with great joy:
“Acting on film was a huge deal for me. Playing a villain, learning the fight scenes, everything was incredible. But working with Robert Downey Jr.… He still inspires me every time I’m on set. I feel so lucky to have worked with a true genius.”
The actress played Ellen Brandt in the film—a soldier empowered by a genetic treatment called “Extremis.” Brandt attacked Tony Stark on the Mandarin’s orders but was quickly neutralized by Iron Man. Thanks to her small but impactful role, Iron Man 3 grossed $1.21 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful films in Marvel history.
More recently, Szostak returned to the big screen as John O’Leary’s mother, Susan, in the biographical drama Soul on Fire. Based on a true story, the film tells O’Leary’s struggle to survive after suffering severe burns at a young age. The film is directed by Sean McNamara, known for his work on Soul Surfer.
Soul on Fire, which received positive reviews from critics, holds an 80% “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its audience score is an impressive 98%. This success demonstrates the strength of Szostak’s return after an 11-year hiatus.
Partnering with Robert Downey Jr. clearly made a lasting impact not only on his career but also on his motivation. Szostak’s words further illustrate the impact the MCU has had on the actors behind the scenes.
