Robert Downey's Triumphant Return To Insurability

465

mark

10/16/06 01:46PM

Filed to: Defamer

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In our haste to congratulate the producers of Marvel's planned Iron Man movie on the inspired casting of oft-troubled, now-sober Robert Downey, Jr, as their project's titular, boozy superhero, we may have missed an important milestone in the actor's long journey from being tweaked in a Culver City alley to being a viable, above-the-title star in a big-budget production. The Hot Blog explains, wondering aloud:

I hadn't thought about this, but...
Doesn't Robert Downey, Jr. getting Iron Man suggest that now, after what seems to me might be 5 full years of sobriety, that he is insurable?
I can't imagine that Paramount or anyone else would greenlight a movie of this size without a completion bond tat includes its central star. So, a landmark for Downey, no?

It's easy to see how this kind of landmark could pass unnoticed, as a performer's official passing from "ticking timebomb" to "actuarially acceptable relapse risk" is something best celebrated quietly with one's agent, manager, and lawyer, not by Paramount erecting a tent on its lot for a Return To Insurability blow-out with full catering and an open bar.

Hmmm... [The Hot Blog]
Previously: Robert Downey Jr., Troubled Superhero [Defamer]

The following replies are approved. To see additional replies that are pending approval, click Show Pending. Warning: These may contain graphic material.

Double Banger mark 10/16/06 01:57PM

Eh, the Hot Blog is a little bit off base. At no time has Robert Downey Jr. ever been uninsurable. Take a look at the sheer number of indie films he's acted in over the past few years — I'll bet more than half employed a completion bond.

In truth, the bond companies love Robert Downey Jr. He is extremely professional, always knows his lines, and always shows up to set on time. In short, he doesn't cause production delays, the main ire of the completion bond industry. My sources tell me that, "even on drugs," he's a pleasure to work with. I hear he qualified as an "essential element" (which requires stricter scrutinty) even when he was in rehab. I'd even venture to say that Downey is more bondable than Lindsay Lohan.

The only possible cost of hiring Downey, these days, is a higher premium on production insurance. Insurance companies will probably require a $250,000 deductible on the guy. Totally manageable risk.

thomas mark 10/16/06 02:22PM

To be fair, bravo to the guy. Sobriety, especially when it's the only option you can choose when faced with prison or death, is most difficult to maintain when it's coupled with the nagging mother-in-law that is addiction. If he's "insurable" it also means he's doing something right. He's a great talent and shows he loves what he does. A lot of producers should be so happy.

Now I'll go back to being an asshole. Warwick Davis must die!

Dune Golfer mark 10/17/06 12:59AM

Oh what I would do to have had my camera ready when he was living behind the cigar store down in Naples, high as a kite and on the prowl for some more drugs....

Not a pretty sight....

But I give him credit for the excellent comeback. And just for that, I'm giving him a weekend for two at the wonderful Chez Perlman Inn on Georgica Cove in Easthampton!

Way to go!

pineapple mark 10/16/06 01:26PM

We've just found our Eric Red.

(Sorry... I started drinking earlier than usual today.)