Robert Downey Jr., widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Iron Man, is not only poised for a highly anticipated return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe but is also currently seeing a resurgence of his 2010 hit comedy, "Due Date," on streaming platforms. Just a few years after his debut as Iron Man, this film, co-starring Zack Galifianakis of "The Hangover" fame and Michelle Monaghan from "The White Lotus," is now blowing up on HBO Max globally, making it one of the top 10 most popular movies on the platform.

Directed by Todd Phillips, known for helming "The Hangover" trilogy and the "Joker" films, "Due Date" follows a soon-to-be father (Downey Jr.) who is forced to hitch a ride with an aspiring actor (Galifianakis) on a chaotic road trip, all while trying desperately to make it to the birth of his child on time. The film, which also features Jamie Foxx and Juliette Lewis, was released on November 4, 2010, has a runtime of 95 minutes, and was written by Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland, Adam Sztykiel, and Todd Phillips.

Upon its initial release, "Due Date" was met with lukewarm reception from both critics and audiences, earning a 39% from critics and 52% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. However, over the last decade, the film has cultivated a strong following, achieving cult classic status and enjoying repeated success on various streaming services. Despite the initial critical panning, it proved to be a significant commercial success at the box office, grossing an impressive $211 million worldwide against a budget of $65 million. While fans have consistently called for a sequel, there has been no indication that one is in development.

Adding to Downey Jr.'s current buzz is the surprising news of his return to Marvel. In 2024, it was announced that he would re-enter the MCU, not as Iron Man, but as Doctor Doom, to headline "Avengers: Doomsday." This upcoming film has taken the place of the previously planned "Avengers: The Kang Dynasty," which was canceled following Marvel's decision to fire Jonathan Majors. While the decision to bring back Downey Jr. has sparked some controversy, it is widely believed that his involvement, especially after winning an Oscar during his time away from Marvel, will significantly boost ticket sales for the film, reaffirming his status as a major draw in Hollywood.

For those interested in delving deeper into streaming trends, cult comedies, and developments within the MCU, subscribing to relevant newsletters can provide curated coverage and insightful analysis. "Due Date" remains available for streaming on HBO Max globally and on Cinemax in America, offering viewers a chance to enjoy this often-rewatched comedy.