Robert Downey Jr. has nothing but praise for Cherry, the upcoming film starring Tom Holland. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed Avengers: Endgame, the movie focuses on an army medic (played by Holland) who finds himself battling an opioid addiction after returning home. In order to keep up his drug habit, the character turns to robbing banks. Based on a novel by Nico Walker, with Angela Russo-Otstot and Jessica Goldberg writing the script, Cherry was picked up by Apple TV+ late last year.
The adaptation has been the focus of attention ahead of its release, including from Downey. The actor was arguably Holland’s most important collaborator when Spider-Man made his first Marvel Cinematic Universe appearance in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. Downey’s Tony Stark served as a guide to Holland’s Peter Parker and led him into the world of superheroes. Though they may not be sharing the big screen again any time soon, Downey is still showing support to Holland by giving a rave review of Cherry.
Downey’s comments came after the actor hosted a virtual panel focused on Cherry for journalists and industry voters. Effusive in his praise, Downey also made sure to plug the fact that the movie would get a theatrical run on February 26 and then make its Apple TV+ debut on March 12. Downey said:
“Honestly, I just gotta say, this is one of those movies—Tom, fellas, ladies—that you’re gonna wind up, when it comes on in five years, wherever it is in the movie, you’re gonna wanna watch it. It’s the highest compliment I can pay to a piece of cinema is it bears rewatching. It’s one of those things that really is a mediation and the fact that all of you infused it with something that has such meaning in this crisis within the crisis within the crisis.”
It is, of course, common for actors to sell the idea that they are similar to the characters they portray, in order to increase the believability of their projects, but the friendship between Downey and Holland appears to be quite genuine by all accounts. Holland has discussed how Downey served as something of a mentor figure to him, initially, as the young performer was entering the MCU for the first time. This is reflected in how Downey speaks of Holland, often going out of his way to compliment the Spider-Man star for his poise and ability in front of the camera. While some fans might not be thrilled about the decision to link Tony Stark and Peter Parker together so closely, there remains an interest in seeing the duo interact in other contexts. A deepfake of Back to the Future, with Holland and Downey in the lead roles, serves as an example since the video generated a large amount of positive buzz online.
Downey is one of the many that have applauded Holland’s portrayal in the Apple TV+ adaptation. Early reaction to the film suggests some flaws, particularly an overreliance on narration, though there has been widespread approval for the work that Holland does as the movie’s main star. Coming from Downey, who has had a long career in Hollywood, filled with ups and downs and different experiences along the way, the praise for Cherry has to feel a little extra sweet.
Source: Robert Downey, Jr.