Robert Downey Jr. has proven once again that he's as much of a superhero as his Marvel alter ego, Iron Man. The actor has invited a seven-year-old boy, Daniel, who lives with cystic fibrosis to attend the premiere of "Captain America: Civil War" next year as his plus one.
Downey first learned of the young fan's condition via an Instagram from the boy's mother. Daniel's mother Vicky explained the situation, saying that Daniel draws inspiration to cope with his cystic fibrosis (a rare genetic disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs, pancreas and other organs) from Iron Man. "He has managed to get past the bullies he faces from day to day by telling them the he too has a extra special port in his chest much like iron man has his arc reactor," wrote Vicky in the Instagram post.
But Daniel recently had a bad day when a kid at his school told him that all children with cystic fibrosis die. With Daniel shaken, Vicky wanted to know if Downey could give him any words of encouragement. Of course Downey could -- and he offered them while wearing a tiger costume.
Mr. Stark here. This is for Daniel (@envy_coatings) who was having a rough day recently. When I'm in the dumps, I've found this little getup to be helpful. P.S. Would you like to come to the LA premiere of Captain America: Civil War as my guest? If so, have your people call my people. All the best. A photo posted by Robert Downey, Jr. (@robertdowneyjr) on
Downey also added, "Would you like to come to the LA premiere of 'Captain America: Civil War' as my guest? If so, have your people call my people." Needless to say, Daniel flipped right out when he got the news -- and Vicky caught part of his reaction on video.
@robertdowneyjr I think someone might be a little excited 😂😂😂 (sorry about him being shirtless, boys will be boys) #rdjmeetdaniel #overthemoon #rdjducklings #therealironman A video posted by Vicky Keyte (@envy_coatings) on
"Captain America: Civil War" opens on May 6, 2016.
(via Uproxx)