Robert Downey Jr, who played Kirk Lazarus, responded to Tom Cruise’s wishes to reprise his role as Les Goodman in the 2008 flick in a recent interview

Two of Hollywood’s biggest stars have teased at the making of a sequel to hit comedy film, Tropic Thunder. Last year Mission Impossible icon Tom Cruise, who played as Les Grossman in the 2008 movie, admitted his interest in creating a second Tropic Thunder flick.

Co-star Robert Downey Jr, who played Kirk Lazarus, responded to Cruise’s wishes during an interview with entertainment news channel ExtraTV on Monday (June 19). While speaking to reporter Melvin Robert, Downey Jr shared his initial reaction to the possibility of acting alongside Tom Cruise again – while hinting the possibility of an Iron Man 4.

Tropic Thunder follows a group of actors attempting to make a film portraying a Vietnam War veteran’s memoir. However, they end up alone in the jungle as they come to realise they are in real danger.

The satirical comedy stars Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr, Jay Baruchel and Brandon T. Jackson. Upon its release, it reportedly made a whopping $195.7 million (£153 million) at box office and received positive reviews from critics – including a 82 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

However, it did prompt some controversy and backlash, due to its portrayal of disabled people, use of ableist slurs and Downey Jr appearing in blackface for the film. But it would seem Cruise hasn’t been put off by wanting to make a sequel of the film.

Speaking to Deadline, Cruise seemed keen to reprise his role as Les Grossman. It was reported that the actor was in talks with Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie to bring the character back, whether that be as a sequel, a spin-off or a TV show.

Addressing Cruise’s eagerness, Downey Jr said he’d happily work with him again, but didn’t specify whether that would be for a Tropic Thunder project or not. ExtraTV’s Melvin Robert asked: “I have to ask you one more question please. Tropic Thunder, Tom Cruise is saying he’d like to do a sequel. Would you do it?”

Downey Jr replied: “Look, all I’ll say is this, Tom Cruise and I have not done a project yet together and that’s kind of a yes and then we’ll figure out what the title is.”

Melvin quickly asks: “What about Iron Man 4?” After a brief pause, the actor dodges the question by saying: “Does he want to do that? Tom, don’t take it.”