Anyone familiar with Robert Downey Jr. and his extensive career in the film industry knows that he has a history of creating controversy.
The once outspoken, Academy Award-winning actor has taken on various roles in blockbuster films over the years, including his recent appearance in Oppenheimer.
While Downey Jr. is perhaps best recognized for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his career features a range of characters, including Wayne Gale in the 1994 film Natural Born Killers.
During the filming of Natural Born Killers, the Hollywood star was grappling with significant addiction issues and was reportedly ‘high, drunk or asleep’ for the final two months of production.
One memorable incident involved a clash with the film’s director, Oliver Stone, following a joke that Stone deemed inappropriate.
On the day in question, Downey Jr., then around 28 years old, dipped one of the front tails of his white button-down shirt in fake blood and pulled it through the unzipped fly of his suit pants, creating the image of a bloodied penis.
This stunt did not sit well with Stone.
The director exclaimed, as reported by Esquire: “Oh come on – that’s too much! You’re going too far, Robert!”
Stone further expressed his frustration: “You’re ruining my movie! Forget the dumb dick idea. This isn’t some slapstick bullsh*t.”
It is believed that Downey Jr.’s joke referenced the 1993 Lorena Bobbitt case, where she severed her husband’s penis after accusing him of rape—a scandal that coincided with the production of Natural Born Killers.
Downey Jr. began to retract his blood-soaked shirt from his zipper when Stone suddenly reconsidered.
“Wait, wait – wait a second. Let me see the dick thing again,” Stone directed.
He then instructed Downey Jr. to ‘pull it back half an inch’, ultimately giving his approval.
As a result, Downey Jr.’s joke made it into the movie, albeit very briefly in the final scene.
In Esquire’s discussion with those involved with Natural Born Killers, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the topic of the cast’s drug use was also addressed.
Stone mentioned that Woody Harrelson was the ‘most sane’ of the cast.
“I have to say, it was a zoo in the sense the actors were all on different kinds of trips. I think Woody was the most sane,” Stone elaborated.
Despite the chaotic environment, the film went on to receive several award nominations.