Robert Downey Jr. Asserts MCU Work Unrecognized Due to Genre Bias

Actor's recent role in Oppenheimer generates Oscar buzz, contrasting with his post-MCU struggle with Dolittle.

Robert Downey Jr. believes his acting as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was some of his best work, but it went unrecognized due to anti-superhero bias.
Downey Jr. played Tony Stark for over a decade, starting the MCU with 2008's Iron Man and ending his character's arc with a sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame.
Marvel boss Kevin Feige has confirmed that Downey Jr. won't return in the MCU, stating they want to preserve the significance of Iron Man's sacrifice.
Downey Jr.'s recent role in Oppenheimer has been generating awards season buzz, with expectations of a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination.
Following his departure from the MCU, Downey Jr. felt 'exposed' and his subsequent film, Dolittle, was a commercial failure, which he says 'rendered him teachable.'