Vanessa Kirby reveals how Robert Downey Jr. is treating new Marvel cast
'Fantastic Four' star Vanessa Kirby says Robert Downey Jr. is leading the new 'Avengers' generation
Published August 10, 2026
Vanessa Kirby reveals how OG Avengers star Robert Downey Jr. is treating Marvel’s new cast
Robert, 61, is doing more than playing Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday as the The Fantastic Four: First Steps star opened up about his special gesture to Marvel’s newcomers.
Vanessa, 38, shared a surprisingly personal way the Iron Man legend is helping bring Marvel’s next generation of superheroes together behind the scenes of the upcoming movie.
During an appearance on The View, she was asked about what it has been like working alongside Robert, who is making a dramatic return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as iconic supervillain Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom.
Vanessa had nothing but praise for the veteran Marvel star.
“He is one of the loveliest men I have ever met in my life,” she said, describing him as “the OG” as a large group of newer Marvel actors joins the franchise.
According to her, Robert has taken an unusually hands-on approach to helping the cast bond.
“He just puts on these incredible lunches for us every day,” she continued. “Instead of being nervous on your own in your trailer trying to learn your lines, we’re all together.”
The Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw actress explained that the gatherings have helped prevent the newer cast members from isolating themselves between scenes while they prepare for their demanding roles.
For Vanessa, that simple gesture has become an important part of Robert's leadership on the massive production.
“It’s such an amazing way to lead a group of people that are coming together,” she added.
Vanessa plays Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the MCU’s introduction of Marvel’s First Family.
She alongside Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing is set to play a major part in Avengers: Doomsday, which brings together characters from across the MCU as well as the returning X-Men universe.
