Stark Flight Lab Behind-the-Scenes Footage Shown at SXSW

Plus, Robert Downey Jr. teased future projects with Marvel and Imagineering.

Robert Downey Jr. surprised fans at Disney’s SXSW presentation while Imagineers showed a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Stark Flight Lab attraction.

What’s Happening:

  • During The Future of World-Building at Disney panel at SXSW, Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Imagineering's Bruce Vaughn were joined by MCU star Robert Downey Jr. to preview some new additions coming to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure.
  • This included a look at the tech behind the new Stark Flight Lab attraction:

  • As explained, when RDJ visited Imagineering, he remarked how the Flight Lab arm reminded him of Tony Stark’s beloved little robotic friend, DUM-E. This made its way into the attraction, with Imagineers making sure that “the robots in Stark Flight Lab feel as lifelike as possible, just like DUM-E."
  • Creating the ride involved dancers and motion capture, with the team using a “virtual mirror" to incorporate some of these movements into early ride mockups.

https://x.com/laughing_place/status/1898438578113221012

  • Downey also teased future collaborations with Marvel and Imagineering, saying, “Even after we finish with the Flight Lab, I want to stay with you all for the long haul. This isn’t a one-time deal. You need more me."

  • Interestingly, while RDJ will voice Tony Stark for this new ride, he’s not currently featured in Hong Kong Disneyland’s Iron Man Experience or Avengers Assemble: Flight Force at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris.
  • Of course, the actor will also be playing Victor Von Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.

About Stark Flight Lab:

What They’re Saying:

  • Robert Downey Jr.: “The curiosity, the passion, the inventiveness, the occasional flair for the dramatic, most of all a drive to put something good out into the world to make life better, at the minimum more fun by a mile. It’s the privilege of a lifetime to be invited to participate."

More Disney SXSW announcements:

Laughing Place recommends MouseFanTravel.com for all your Disneyland Resort travel planning
Fill out the form below for a free, no obligation quote from MouseFanTravel.com
Kyle Burbank
Kyle is a writer living in Springfield, MO. His deep love of Disney and other pop culture finds its way into several aspects of his life and work. In addition to his position at LP, he's also the head writer for Fioney.com as well as his own personal finance site Moneyat30.com.