Robert Downey Jr. wants Marvel to make Hulk, Black Widow solo movies

Now that Robert Downey Jr. is the elder statesman of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he has the right to speak about aspects of the films that he might not directly be involved with. He has a clear idea of where the series should go next - ideas that would make Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson very happy.

In a chat with USA Today, Downey threw his support for solo movies scarring Johansson’s Black Widow and Ruffalo’s Hulk characters. First though, he thinks Johansson needs a break since she’s about to have a baby.

However, Downey stressed that female roles in Marvel movies have been important - like Zoe Saldana’s Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Widow and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper Potts in the Iron Man movies.

“It would be kind of more appropriate for a character that already was like a Black Widow (to lead a movie),” Downey said. “It just seems like whatever Scarlett does people want to go see it.”

Jessica Chastain also vouched for a Black Widow movie last week. She called on Hollywood to give more starring roles to women in action movies.

Later, Downey said that just about every Marvel hero deserves a solo franchise, including the Hulk and Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye. He added that Renner’s performance in Avengers: Age of Ultron will impress audiences.

“And Ruffalo is pumped,” he continued. “He does great (work). I’d like to hear them talk even more seriously about a Hulk franchise, because that’s been one of the toughest ones to get right. But I’m sure that my parent company is feeling expansive and and bold after the summer they’ve had.”

Downey certainly enjoys commenting on Marvel business, especially when he’s not involved in them. He said last month that Guardians was the best Marvel movie yet.

Downey didn’t make a Marvel movie this year, instead taking on the drama The Judge, which premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival.

image courtesy of INFphoto.com