MCU fans might have probably seen some of the online discourse about Joseph Quinn looking like a young Robert Downey Jr. These fans would even go on to compare photos of Quinn with those of Downey Jr. The discussions dated back to the time when Quinn had his acting breakthrough with the role of Eddie Munson in Stranger Things Season 4.
He was asked about the visual resemblance during an interview with The Movie Podcast in 2022. Quinn called the Iron Man actor “one of his favorite actors”, but added that he had never seen the comparisons himself. He shared, “I mean, I can’t… I’ve never kind of checked myself out in the mirror and been, like, ‘looking pretty RDJ today’.”
He further admitted that he had previously compared himself to Justin Timberlake in terms of visual appearance. He shared that being compared to Downey Jr. was amazing, adding that he would play the actor’s role in a potential biopic.
He shared:
But RDJ is one of my favourite actors – I think he’s brilliant. And to be compared to him is amazing. He’s had a pretty interesting life, so like I don’t know… yeah. I’d totally play. Yeah, we’ll see.
While he hasn’t gotten the chance to play RDJ, he would eventually join the MCU as Johnny Storm, Human Torch. In the upcoming movie, Avengers: Doomsday, Quinn is all set to take on Downey Jr.
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Fans couldn’t help but notice many similarities between Quinn’s Human Torch and Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. Here are some of the apparent similarities between the two characters.
1 Human Torch and Iron Man Bring Chaotic Energy
The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduced Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and fans were thrilled to see him in action. At least a few fans pointed out that Quinn’s character reminded them a lot of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man qualities. The most noticeable was how both characters came up with sharp comebacks at their co-stars.
Some fans might agree that they have similar comic timing. They both are natural scene stealers with their humor, swagger, and unpredictability. Both these characters thrive on the attention they get and use every opportunity to display their showmanship.
Interestingly, Quinn and Downey Jr.’s off-screen personalities also bring this chaotic energy, as seen in many of their promotional interviews. They both have impeccable chemistry with their cast and could make the entire room laugh with their silly actions and witty lines.
2 Joseph Quinn and RDJ’s Characters Balance Arrogance With Heart
Joseph Quinn as Human Torch in The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Credits: Marvel Studios
Tony Stark and Johnny Storm also share this charming recklessness, which often makes them come across as arrogant to other characters. They thrive on attention, which means they have ego-driven personalities. Quinn and Downey Jr.’s characters are flashy, quippy, and high-energy, and they love the spectacle.
But the recklessness/ego comes with a slow reveal of their deeper emotional side. Tony Stark often masks his insecurity with arrogance. Meanwhile, for Johnny, it is a way to mask his loneliness. Their character arcs (Johnny’s will be fleshed out more in upcoming movies) rely on these vulnerabilities because the duality of arrogance and heart makes them lovable.
It is also worth mentioning that Tony was the emotional backbone of the Avengers, driving the team’s direction with his choices and sacrifices. Quinn’s character is not yet fully developed, but he managed to keep his Fantastic Four team emotionally grounded to an extent.
3 Their Characters Represented an Era of Change Within the MCU
Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in Captain America: Civil War | Credits: Marvel Studios
Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Iron Man and Joseph Quinn’s casting as the Human Torch are both unexpected choices that turned out to be perfect. Downey Jr. was initially considered an unconventional choice for Iron Man. Similarly, fans were surprised to know that the MCU went with Quinn for the Johnny Storm role.
However, Downey Jr.’s Tony went on to represent the birth of the MCU as we know it today. He set the franchise’s tone. Joseph Quinn’s Johnny arrives at a time when Marvel is rebuilding and redefining itself. Essentially, both characters serve as era markers for the franchise.
Fans hope that Quinn’s arrival could signal a creative reset for Marvel and that the franchise will regain its old glory.
What do you think of the comparisons between Joseph Quinn and Robert Downey Jr.? Let us know in the comments below!
Quinn and Downey Jr.’s Marvel movies are now available for streaming on Disney+. Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit the U.S. theaters on December 18, 2026.
