Jon Favreau Concedes Mistake on Iron Man’s Death in 'Avengers: Endgame' After Seeing Its Impact

Jon Favreau, the director and star of Marvel’s Iron Man franchise, has admitted that he was wrong to question Tony Stark’s death in Avengers: Endgame.

Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night, Favreau reflected on his long-standing relationship with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and his concerns about the character’s demise. He recalled reaching out to the Russo Brothers, the directors of Endgame, to express his doubts about the decision.

“I was like, ‘I don’t know about — I don’t think people — I don’t know if people are going to like — I don’t know! I think it’s going to really impact people,’ because there they were kids that grew up with that character,”

Favreau’s concerns centered on the emotional toll Stark’s death might take on audiences, particularly younger fans who had grown up with the character. However, he later acknowledged that the execution was handled masterfully.

“But I have to tell you, it was handled so well by them. And Gwyneth [Paltrow] and Robert [Downey Jr.] did such a wonderful job acting, and I think it added a poignancy to it, and it — I think they did a wonderful job. I was wrong. I was wrong.”

Jimmy Kimmel, the show’s host, agreed that Stark’s death resonated deeply with audiences. Favreau also confessed that he was moved to tears while watching the film, jokingly calling it the loss of his “baby.” Despite his initial reservations, Favreau expressed excitement about Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Dr. Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

You can watch Jon Favreau’s full appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in the video above.