Even though Tony Stark’s glasses have become integrated with him, the reason he first used them was completely different.
Tony Stark’s glasses In fact, it was a somewhat unexpected set of circumstances that led to Robert Downey Jr. fitting in with him. In an interview with Vanity Fair, RDJ said that Tony Stark’s signature sunglasses look was more of a necessity than a deliberate fashion choice.
Tony Stark’s Glasses Were Not Just a Fashion Icon
Few roles in film history can match Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark in Iron Man. When Iron Man hit the big screen, it was a risky venture with no guarantee of success. With the careers of Downey and director Jon Favreau in limbo, it was a gamble from every perspective. But the success of Iron Man launched one of the most lucrative and successful film franchises ever made, and the risk paid off.
While the Iron Man armor is cool and memorable, Tony Stark is just as iconic. It’s easy to imagine Stark in his designer suits, sleek sunglasses, and very prominent facial hair. While his wardrobe choices may at first seem like the uniforms expected of billionaires, his signature sunglasses were first created out of necessity, a result of last-minute creative choices that would have a surprising impact on the future of the MCU.
RDJ, who noted that they wrote the scene where they introduced the Jericho missiles in the first film on set, asks, “Is it better to be feared or respected? Is it too much to ask for both?” He explained that the line used in this scene was actively written by him and Jon Favreau on set while filming the scene that day, so the actor wore sunglasses to hide the fact that he was reading cue cards.