Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans brought a burst of Marvel nostalgia to the 2026 Oscars and then pushed the moment into pure comedy with a surprise prop gag that quickly lit up X. While presenting the screenplay awards at the Dolby Theatre, the pair turned a simple awards handoff into one of the night’s most talked-about bits when Downey Jr pulled out what he called Channing Tatum’s sequined thong from ‘Magic Mike.’ The exchange drew laughs in the room, a quick comeback from Tatum in the audience, and a flood of fan reaction online as viewers celebrated seeing the former co-stars together again.
Laughter at the Oscars
Evans opened by teasing Downey Jr. for failing to get him a real gift for the 14th anniversary of their first ‘Avengers’ collaboration. Evans said he gave Downey Jr a screenplay signed by the cast and crew. Downey Jr in return, offered a valet parking ticket, then took it back.
Fans celebrate Marvel reunion
After Paul Thomas Anderson accepted Best Adapted Screenplay for ‘One Battle After Another,’ Evans stayed at the podium and asked, “No Downey?” Downey Jr then ran back onstage and said, “I was just joshing! Of course I got you something.”He then pulled a giant pink sequined thong from his pocket and told Evans, “I got you the official Tanning Chatum thong from ‘Magic Mike.’ Sequined, it’s got like a mirrorball effect. Light usage.” Evans answered, “I have no words.” From the audience, Tatum shouted, “Hey, I’m gonna need that back though!” Downey Jr. shot back, “For what?” Tatum replied, “I’ve gotta work later, what are you talking about.”The bit quickly spread across X. One user wrote, “Their face off,” alongside a split image comparing the Oscars reunion with an old Marvel face-off. Another post read, “I can’t believe it’s been 7 years since we last seen Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans on the big screen together.” One fan called them “The best duo in the business!! THANK YOU MARVEL,” while another wrote, “Two legends on a single stage again, an unexpected moment for the fans.”Downey Jr and Evans then returned to the awards and presented Best Original Screenplay to Ryan Coogler for ‘Sinners.’ Coogler said, “Please sit down, because I’m very nervous and they’re going to play me off,” before thanking his family and adding, “To my babies that are at home watching, I apologize for all the time away. Dad loves you, memories are all we have, I hope I give you some great ones.”
