Robert Downey Jr. Calls It the ‘Worst Action Movie Ever’ — Now Streaming on Netflix!

“U.S. Marshals” serves as a sequel to “The Fugitive,” featuring Harrison Ford, where Tommy Lee Jones returns to his role as Samuel Gerard for another manhunt. His performance in the original earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1994, and the film was a huge hit. This time, he stars alongside Robert Downey Jr., as they pursue Mark Sheridan, a fugitive accused of murder played by Wesley Snipes.

Directed by Stuart Baird (known for “Star Trek: Nemesis”), this action thriller delivers everything a 90s thriller promises: high-speed chases, intriguing twists, explosive action, and a remarkable airplane crash scene. Moreover, the fugitive’s quest to prove his innocence while dodging a relentless police pursuit makes for a compelling narrative that still holds up today.

1998 was a standout year for Wesley Snipes, as in addition to “U.S. Marshals,” he also starred in the drama “Hardwood” and the first installment of “Blade,” a Marvel hero he is still renowned for today.

A Not-So-Fond Memory for Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. has openly expressed his dislike for filming the movie. It wasn’t necessarily about the quality—though he once exaggeratedly called “U.S. Marshals” the “worst action movie of all time.” Before he was known as Iron Man, he stated in his biography:

“[This movie] is really not good for maintaining mental health. You’re having a horrible year, you’re on the brink of suicide, what do you think would be helpful for you? Maybe twelve weeks running around with a gun in your hand?”

“If you talk about it with a spiritual guide, they would tell you: ‘It’s going to kill you.’ I thought I was missing something, and it would be nice to star in a film that my kids might enjoy. But the experience turned out to be depressing. I’d even prefer waking up in prison over waking up on the set of U.S. Marshals again.”

At the time, the actor was undergoing a rough patch and struggling with drug addiction.

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