{"id":696743,"date":"2026-07-17T14:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T14:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/696743\/"},"modified":"2026-07-17T14:18:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T14:18:16","slug":"the-2006-movie-robert-downey-jr-calls-the-best-job-i-ever-had","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/696743\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2006 movie Robert Downey Jr calls the “best job I ever had”"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Robert<\/p>\n

Credit: Far Out \/ YouTube Still<\/p>\n

Fri 17 July 2026 9:08, UK <\/p>\n

The name Robert Downey Jr<\/a> likely brings a slew of movies and roles to mind. Most will immediately recall his long-running stint as billionaire superhero Tony Stark, AKA Iron Man. <\/p>\n

Others may remember his recent performance as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan\u2019s blockbuster biopic Oppenheimer or even some of his earlier roles, like Ian, the bully in John Hughes\u2019 science-fiction comedy Weird Science. However, his best gig, according to Downey Jr himself, may not be the one that first comes to mind.<\/p>\n

Few Hollywood megastars have enjoyed as much box-office success as Downey Jr, largely thanks to the colossal success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has seen him star in some of the highest-grossing films of all time. However, his transition away from superhero movies has been more challenging than expected, as seen with his less successful turn in Dolittle. This may be reflected in his recent casting as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Fantastic Four film<\/a>, hinting at a return to the superhero genre. Despite these ups and downs, Downey Jr remains one of the most bankable names in Hollywood.<\/p>\n

It is then all the more surprising when, during an interview when the actor was promoting Richard Linklater\u2019s A Scanner Darkly, Downey Jr named Disney\u2019s 2006 reboot of The Shaggy Dog as the best job he ever had. Granted, this was before he donned the iconic red suit for the first time in 2008, but at this point in time, the actor still had a few critical and commercial successes under his belt. Films such as Natural Born Killers, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Gothika all predate the Tim Allen-led family comedy.<\/a><\/p>\n

Actors are usually expected to point towards an awards contender or a career-defining performance when reflecting on their favourite projects, particularly someone with a r\u00e9sum\u00e9 as varied as Downey Jr\u2019s. Instead, he singled out a broad Disney family comedy that has largely slipped from the public consciousness in the years since its release. <\/p>\n

\"Robert<\/a>Credit: Far Out \/ Warner Bros. \/ YouTube Still<\/p>\n

Perhaps that\u2019s because enjoying a job and making a great film aren\u2019t always the same thing. Plenty of productions remembered as classics were notoriously difficult to make, whereas lighter fare often provides performers with the freedom to enjoy themselves without the pressure that accompanies prestige pictures. Judging by Downey Jr\u2019s recollection, The Shaggy Dog belonged firmly in the latter category.<\/p>\n

For those unfamiliar with The Shaggy Dog, there might be some vague awareness of the original films it\u2019s based on, or perhaps a recollection of the scene where the dog punches a man in the face. The reboot follows district attorney Dave Douglas (Allen), who, after being bitten by a 300-year-old Bearded Collie, begins to involuntarily transform into a dog himself.<\/p>\n

As I\u2019m sure you can imagine, Dave turns into his canine alter-ego at many an inopportune moment, and hijinks are aplenty. Think Cujo without all the mauling and more slapstick. The film also earned the distinction of being one of the most unsettling posters of the last 30 years, and I could\u2019ve happily gone the rest of my life without seeing Tim Allen\u2019s eyes superimposed onto a dog.<\/p>\n

Downey Jr\u2019s role is that of Dr Marcus Kozak, the moustache-twirling villain of the piece who stole the ancient dog and launched a bid to take over the pharmaceutical company he works for. Allen\u2019s character eventually thwarts him after he throws Kozak a baton in court, to which he responds by leaping for it like a dog before grabbing it in his mouth, revealing he had been experimenting on himself with the dog\u2019s DNA. It\u2019s not quite a dog punching a guy in the face, but it\u2019s still not something I ever thought I\u2019d see Tony Stark do.<\/p>\n

So, why did Downey Jr choose this film as his most enjoyable? The star states that he \u201cwanted to be in a Disney movie, and they offered it. Best job I ever had. The craft service is amazing.\u201d Perhaps it\u2019s indicative of the film\u2019s quality that Downey Jr championed the production\u2019s food and drink offerings above anything else in the actual film. The only reference he makes to the film\u2019s content is when he mentions \u201cthat shot with the monkeys\u201d. I don\u2019t know which scene he is referring to, but by the sound of it, I\u2019m sure it\u2019s nothing short of pure Disney magic.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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