Robert Downey Jr
Cast member Robert Downey Jr. poses at the european premiere of "Avengers: Age of Ultron" at Westfield shopping centre, Shepherds Bush, London April 21, 2015. Reuters/Stefan Wermuth

“Captain America: Civil War” directors Anthony and Joe Russo admitted that any new version of Spider-Man would be a subject of controversy and the fans may either love it or hate it. They also talked about the future of the Iron Man character in case Robert Downey Jr. retires.

In an interview with Forbes, the directors revealed that Spider-Man was an important part of the movie and to make sure that they get the casting right, they tested Tom Holland “vigorously.” Holland apparently had to shoot several scenes with fellow cast members Chris Evans (Steve Rogers) and Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) during the casting process.

Joe Russo said that Spider-Man has a “very interesting” role in the movie and felt that the audience will be “happy” with what they have done with the character. Anthony Russo teased that the character enters the picture only after the conflict between the superheroes starts and this puts him in a “very unique place in the story.” The character also will not carry any “baggage,” like the other superheroes carry.

Talking about the mixed reaction to Spider-Man’s costume in “Captain America: Civil War,” the directors said that they and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige love the new costume. The directors understood that since he is a popular character there is bound to be some negative reaction by some of the fans.

The directors explained that all they can do is stay true to themselves and how they feel about the character. Anthony Russo said that the fans may change their negative opinion about Spider-Man’s costume “radically” when they see the movie.

The directors also praised “Captain America: Civil War” cast member Downey Jr. The directors said that it was difficult to replace the actor and in case he retires from playing Iron Man, the character may “disappear” for a while. Joe Russo felt that the only way to reboot the character in that situation is give it a generational gap, to allow another actor to redefine Iron Man without the shadow of Downey Jr. hanging over him.

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