Avengers: Doomsday star Simu Liu recently shared a behind-the-scenes story about working with Robert Downey Jr. He described the experience of being invited into the actor’s legendary on-set space, affectionately called “Downey Land.”
In an interview with Collider, Liu explained that Downey Jr. has a dedicated area at base camp, adorned with Andy Warhol-esque artwork featuring himself. Liu said:
“And I remember getting invited to Downey Land for the first time and just showing up in this tent, and it’s all this beautiful Andy Warhol-esque artwork, except all the characters are Downey. I mean, he’s so self-aware.”
Despite the artistic spectacle, Liu noticed that the space was incredibly welcoming. Downey Jr. personally greeted him. The tent was arranged for a communal meal, which created a surprisingly intimate atmosphere amid the MCU set chaos.
A Surprise Lunch With MCU Royalty
Although Liu had brought his own lunch, Downey Jr. insisted he stay and eat with him and his guests. The gathering featured a full buffet prepared by professional chefs, turning a casual meal into an impromptu cast hangout.
Reflecting on the experience, Liu admitted:
“And then just the people walking through, I was like, ‘I cannot believe I’m having lunch with these people.’”
Actors drifted in and out, some fully suited up in superhero costumes, others partially out of costume for comfort. The informal setting gave Liu an opportunity to observe the MCU stars in a relaxed, human moment, rather than the high-pressure environment of filming.
A Rare, Grounding MCU Moment
Liu described the atmosphere as surprisingly relaxed and grounding, even given the massive scale of the MCU production. During this time, actors chatted about their lives and careers while adjusting uncomfortable costumes or shedding layers between takes.
“Some people have really uncomfortable costumes, so they like to strip down, or it’s three pieces, and they strip out of two. It’s all of us just kind of sitting around and talking about our lives and our careers.”
Looking back, Liu reflected on the day’s emotional significance and how much it meant to him.
“Those are priceless, irreplaceable memories that I’ll have for the rest of my life.”
Behind-the-Scenes Friendships in the MCU With Simu Liu
What makes Downey Land truly special is the sense of camaraderie it creates among the cast and crew. In fact, Liu highlighted that moments like these build lasting bonds that go beyond the big-screen action. Everyone on set is remarkably down-to-earth, and even during a massive production, it becomes clear that people genuinely care about each other.
These interactions make the filming experience truly unforgettable. Moreover, for fans, such moments show that even though MCU films are high-stakes and action-packed, the people behind the scenes remain grounded. They form meaningful friendships and share authentic experiences on set.
Simu Liu’s story gives fans a rare glimpse behind the curtain of the MCU. Although superhero films often feel larger-than-life, moments like these remind us that the actors are real people who share genuine connections and unforgettable experiences.
By sharing these memories, Liu not only honors Robert Downey Jr.’s generosity but also highlights the strong camaraderie that makes MCU productions so special. Furthermore, it offers fans a rare, personal glimpse into the world of Marvel filmmaking, something they don’t usually get to see.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on MCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to Marvel Updates’ YouTube channel.
