After turning in Iron Man’s arc reactor in Avengers: Endgame, many fans and industry analysts were left wondering what Robert Downey Jr.’s next project would be.

Unpredictably, Downey revealed he would take on the classic role of Doctor Dolittle in the upcoming and appropriately titled film Dolittle.

While he’s been making the rounds on the promotional circuit for the film, Downey has sat down for some surprise interviews with the likes of Joe Rogan.

But perhaps the most surprising interview of all has been with Robert Irwin, son of the late wildlife conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin.

Downey caught up with the young Australian to not only discuss his new take on the classic animal-loving character, but also to reminiscence about Robert Irwin’s late father, who was known for having his own special connection with animals much like Doctor Dolittle.

As it turns out, Downey and Irwin actually met 16 years ago at the Australia Zoo. At the time, Irwin was just a baby (only a few months old), and Downey had not yet donned the Iron Man suit.

Downey met with Steve Irwin to increase awareness about wildlife conservation and environmentalism, issues that he holds close to his heart as an avid animal lover. That might explain why the Dolittle role was so appealing to him in a post-Tony Stark phase of his career.

Steve Irwin would tragically die two years later, with his final words recently being made public.

Fortunately, his son Robert and daughter Bindi have not only continued to preserve the animals he held such a passion for, but also his legacy.

Check out the interview below: