RDJ's emotional letter from 2018 goes viral; Credits: Cheatsheet

There has not been a more heartbreaking moment in the entirety of the MCU films than getting to know that we will not get to see Tony Stark, the Iron Man anymore. While it was hard for fans to live with the fans, it also took a toll on the legendary actor Robert Downey Jr. to say goodbye to his iconic character forever. 

Back in 2018, the actor had wished his character a heartfelt goodbye, sharing all his gratitude for his co-stars, fans, and the creators of the Marvel universe. Now, as authors Tara Bennett and Paul Terry released their book, 'The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,' light is once again shed on the beautiful character of Tony Stark. 

The actor played his fabulous role in the Marvel universe for a decade. He was cast as Iron Man back in 2000, and 23 MCU films later, he had developed a great relationship with his huge fanbase, fellow MCU stars, and the universe's creators. In fact, one of the paramount reasons for the humongous popularity of Marvel films is Robert Downey Jr. and his prowess as an actor and the widely loved role of Iron Man. 

The character made appearances almost in all the Marvel Films or was at least mentioned as a passing reference in films where he did not get to share the screen time. And yet, the actor got to portray his role with countless superstars and superheroes from the fictional world. This is the reason that the first-gen Avengers played by Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, and Jeremy Renner are still a "close-knit" pack, as revealed by Downey Jr. himself.

The Iron Man actor, hence, revealed his heartwarming details about his role in the cinematic universe in the book 'The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.' Written by Tara Bennet and Paul Terry, the book contains never known before deets about the much-loved fictional world, its many characters, actors, and even features Downey Jr's letter from 2018, which was written when he finally bid adieu to his role. 

The letter reveals Downey Jr's relationship with fellow MCU co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans who played the roles of Thor and Captain America. He said their bond was "hale and hearty" and them starring together in Avengers "seemed inevitable."

The Story of Marvel Universe features RDJ's 1000 words-long letter; Credits: Marvel

As Robert Downey Jr. opened his letter he talked about how he wishes that the MCU films help open dialogues on equality, justice, diversity, and inclusivity. He wrote: "I hope these films have evoked a dialogue on equality, justice, freedom, embracing diversity, and combating intolerance with the power of partnership, sacrifice, and love. At this point, Tony might say: "You're welcome." I’ll balance that with a boundless eternal: "Thank you."

The 1000 word letter is sure to get you in all your feels and make you wish to see everyone's beloved Tony Stark once again in action. Especially since the Marvel Universe kicked start with the release of Iron Man in 2008, the character brought the Marvel universe the popularity it enjoys today. The universe went through three phases before it released its fourth phase in the form of 'Eternals.' 

The three phases came to an end as Iron Man snapped while still wearing the Infinity Gauntlet. The sacrifice meant Thanos would finally be defeated, and humanity could come back, but it also meant that Iron Man had to die. As the Avengers: Endgame finally conceded with its heartbreaking ending, countless tributes poured in to honor the Iron Man role, and RDJ popularly coined the term "I love you 3000."

Now that Marvel Universe has already come forward with its fourth phase, RDJ had welcomed the newest generation of Marvel superheroes with unwavering confidence, relaying his best wishes for better years of the Marvel future. 

Here is Robert Downey Jr.'s letter in its entirety for you to enjoy, gush over, and also to help you shed some tears for your beloved Marvel superhero.

He opened up with a dialogue from when the first film was released:

"I distinctly remember she (Gwyneth Paltrow), Favs (Jon Favreau, director), and me sitting in a dilapidated Quonset hut, talking Potts and Stark when he suddenly swelled up with a wave of emotion . . . joy, relief, faith, and grief all made a showing:

(Me, looking at him)

“What’s up, boss?

(Him, looking at her)

"I just realized this movie's gonna work.”

Turns out he was right; yet, there were other oxymoronic keys to Iron Man’s unlikely success, namely:

A) Unorthodox efficiency

B) Ceaseless development

And it goes without saying that Jackson’s presence throughout (and portrayal of Fury) have been a connective tissue, our bridge over numerous credibility gaps. Johansson, Cheadle, Renner, Ruffalo, Hemsworth, Evans, Olsen, and I remain close-knit. (Yes, there’s talk of a group tattoo.)"

He then proceeded to thank each and every cast members he ever encountered during his interim of 10 years working as the iconic character:

Downey Jr. conveys his regards for fellow Marvel stars; Credits: Indian Express

"I'll extend to Reynolds as well (to further prove I’m not distributor-specific regarding fellowship). While I have your car, I’ll reach way back to day one, and express gratitude to Howard (our original Rhode)’), who was integral to my being cast. Almost lastly, every nemesis that Tony has encountered thus far deserves an honorable mention, so kudos to Bridges, Rourke, Kingsley, Pearce, Hiddleston, Spader, and, finally, Brolin."

Is final thank you was reserved for his well-wishing fans that have carried on his legacy even years after he quit the Marvel Universe, and thanked people for shaping the Marvel universe as we see it today:

"The Who is YOU .. . If you made it to the “end credits” of this anniversary edition, you’re likely a fan, so there’s your Easter egg, darlings . . . a mirror! Folks who respond to mythological storytelling arc positively are the propellant of all things Marvel. It’s always been that way, no supply is required without a demand. Ever since Comic Con 2007, it’s been apparent that the audience (no offense, THX) was no longer just listening. For ten years, YOU have copiloted the narrative."

His long letter also included a para where RDJ wished that the films helped shape a better world with tolerance, equality, and love: 

RDJ thanks fans and crewmates for Iron Man success; Credits: Indian Express

“Finally, I hope these films have evoked a dialogue on equality, justice, freedom, embracing diversity, and combating intolerance with the power of partnership, sacrifice, and love.

At this point, Tony might say: “You’re welcome.” I’ll balance that with a boundless eternal: “Thank you,” the actor concluded.