Robert Downey Jr. Starred in a Sequel He Dubbed the "Worst Action Movie of All Time"

Robert Downey Jr. has showcased remarkable versatility throughout his career, from his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Charlie Chaplin to his iconic role as Tony Stark in the ‘Iron Man’ series. However, not every project has been a triumph, and Downey Jr. is candid about his less successful ventures. 

One notable example is his role in the 1998 action film ‘U.S. Marshals’, where he played Special Agent John Royce. This film is a lesser-known sequel to the critically acclaimed ‘The Fugitive’, which was both a commercial and critical success. Unfortunately, ‘U.S. Marshals’ failed to capture the same magic.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

The film centers on U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who is on a thrilling chase after a fugitive portrayed by Wesley Snipes. Downey Jr.’s role as a DSS agent in this action-packed scenario was somewhat unusual for him, given his extensive filmography typically includes dramas and superhero blockbusters rather than traditional action. Despite the promising setup, Downey Jr. found the experience draining and less enjoyable than anticipated. In fact, he humorously described the film as "possibly the worst action movie of all time" in Ben Falk's book *The Fall and Rise of the Comeback Kid*.

Downey Jr.’s decision to join ‘U.S. Marshals’ was driven partly by a desire to revive his career and provide for his son, seeking a role in a film he thought would be fun to share with his child. However, the film’s convoluted plot and the comparison to its predecessor made it less impactful. 

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Despite some standout action scenes, such as a dramatic plane crash and a rooftop leap, the film struggled to match the emotional intensity of ‘The Fugitive’. Downey Jr.’s lackluster performance further contributed to its failure to resonate with audiences, leaving him disillusioned and more selective about his roles in the future.

–Farheen Ali