Robert Downey Jr. found inspiration from the screen to prepare for his Broadway debut in 'McNeal'

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Robert Downey Jr. made his Broadway debut this week in the play “McNeal,” revealing some unexpected inspirations that helped him prepare for the stage. So I’m going to take the Bradley Cooper approach and let it be a beautiful thing.” “McNeal” is a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that delves into themes of artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The special effects in the play also provided the “Iron Man” actor with a comfort zone, calling a project with effects “strangely natural.” “It’s a bit of a security blanket to know that it’s a tech-friendly show. Reflecting on the challenges of preparing for his Broadway debut, Downey shared his approach to staying focused “More than anything, it’s just a matter of what I tend to do anyway — when I’m really hunkering down on something — is you got to live a monastic lifestyle.