Australia, in the desert.
The crew of Iron Man 1 was filming here.
That's right—most of the scenes in Iron Man 1 were shot in Australia. Why? Because of the incredibly generous tax incentives.
Robert Downey Jr., dressed in a suit and sunglasses, walked to a designated safe spot marked by a square wooden board. He struck a pose, head held high and arms spread wide, looking supremely confident.
"Ready, and—action!" Martin called.
"Wait!" Robert Downey Jr. interrupted, looking a little uneasy. "Just to double-check... this isn't actually dangerous, right?"
Martin patted his chest confidently. "Relax, Robert. Our pyrotechnics crew are all seasoned pros. Nothing's going to go wrong. Plus, we've taken out a top-tier insurance policy on you. If you end up in heaven, I promise your wife will live in luxury for the rest of her life."
"Shit!" Robert Downey Jr. shot both middle fingers at Martin.
The two were on familiar terms now. They joked constantly on set—sometimes even sparring playfully.
"Ready, and—action!" Martin called again.
Robert Downey Jr. immediately shed his earlier nervousness. With head slightly raised and an arrogant smirk, he declared, "Behold, the masterpiece of Stark Industries!"
The moment he spoke, a huge explosion went off behind him. Sand erupted like fireworks, shooting over 200 feet into the air.
Off-camera, giant industrial fans roared to life on both sides, blasting fierce gusts of wind that left the extras playing soldiers squinting against the force.
Despite his internal panic, Robert Downey Jr. powered through the scene professionally.
As the explosions went off behind him, he kept repeating to himself: It's fine. I'm fine. I have insurance. Fuck Martin…
"Cut! That's a wrap on this shot!"
Robert Downey Jr. exhaled heavily and bolted from the set, eager to get as far away from the pyrotechnics as possible.
Now covered in dust, he looked nothing like the suave playboy from moments earlier.
Martin gave him a once-over and said, "Perfect. You're all set for the scene where the terrorists kidnap you and throw you in the cave."
"You capitalist tyrant! Can't I take a break first?"
"A break? No way—we can't waste this emotional momentum."
"Don't worry about it. I've got emotions to spare!"
After wrapping up for the day, the cast and crew returned to the hotel.
Martin, Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, and a few others gathered at the hotel bar for drinks.
But before they could even take a sip, everyone froze—staring at the television in shock.
On the screen, an actress was being interviewed.
"Rose McGowan, what's the purpose of today's press conference?" the host asked.
Rose McGowan looked calm and determined.
"Just three days ago, Ms. Judy, a reporter from The New York Times, published an article. I'm sure you've all read it. It's titled 'Harvey Weinstein Paid Off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades'. It's a powerful piece of journalism—and today's press conference is in response to that report."
The reporters immediately perked up.
"Ms. McGowan, are you saying you were also harassed by Harvey?"
"Did you and Judy collaborate on this?"
"Ms. McGowan—"
"Please, everyone, let me finish."
Once the room quieted down, she continued:
"It began in 1997. I was just starting out in the film industry. I had a small part in the movie Going All the Way, which was selected for the Sundance Film Festival. I was thrilled to attend the screening in Park City, Utah."
"Before the festival officially opened, the film began its local promotions."
"As you all know, Sundance is a haven for indie films, and Harvey—who made his fortune distributing indie films—was like royalty there."
"He took a liking to our film and visited our set multiple times, chatting with everyone and promising us stardom if Miramax picked it up. We were all ecstatic."
"Then, one night after a party, Harvey invited me to his hotel suite to 'talk business.' I honestly thought he wanted to help with my career, so I agreed. I was still just a naïve girl, unaware of how dark this industry could be."
"At first, we really were just talking about work."
"But just as I was about to leave, he suddenly lunged at me, dragged me into another room, and forced his face between my legs."
"I was terrified. I struggled and begged him to stop, but he wouldn't let go. He said if I didn't 'cooperate,' I'd never make it in Hollywood."
"I was petrified. All I could do was try not to anger him… Afterward, I got out of that room as fast as I could."
"A few days later, while I was still traumatized, Harvey sent me a message, telling me that one of his 'special friends'—a famous actress—wanted me to join them."
"That message pushed me over the edge. I contacted a lawyer and started legal proceedings. Eventually, Harvey paid me $100,000 on the condition that I sign a settlement agreement. It stated that Harvey admitted no wrongdoing and that I would receive no official documentation or evidence from his legal team."
"For years, I cried at night and regretted staying silent. But when I saw Judy's report, I realized I couldn't keep feeling sorry for myself. I had to stand up and expose this monster's crimes—"
As Rose McGowan's impassioned voice echoed from the TV, the guys at the bar sat stunned.
Robert Downey Jr. held his drink mid-air and muttered, "Wait… how long have we been gone from L.A.? Why does it feel like the whole world's changed?"
When they left, Harvey was still a major force in Hollywood—despite a recent scandal and divorce.
In fact, past experience showed that a Hollywood big shot could survive scandals. What usually ended careers was a flop at the box office.
Nobody had expected Harvey to be completely destroyed by scandal alone.
And now… even lesser-known actresses were boldly stepping forward to accuse him?
Was this real life?
Martin maintained his expression of surprise, but deep inside, he was secretly pleased.
Eric, you nailed it.