Robert Downey Jr. does "one better" than Cap, promises special birthday present for dog-attack child hero

We can always count on Iron Man.

Days after his Marvel co-star Chris Evans offered to send an original Captain America shield to the six-year-old boy severely injured after saving his sister from a vicious dog attack, Robert Downey Jr. is offering up his own praise.

Tony Stark's alter-ego sent a special video to Bridger Walker (via his aunt, Nicole Walker), whose courageous story went viral on social media, calling him a "rock star." He also promised that "as an old friend of Cap's," he'll do his fellow Avenger "one better" by sending Bridger "something special" for his next birthday.

"By the way, that's a promise. A promise beats a shield," Downey told him.

The actor's message elicited a smile from the young real-life hero, who's still recovering from the mauling to his face that required 90 stitches.

On July 12, Walker posted on Instagram about how her nephew stood between his younger sister and a charging dog, and endured several bites to the face and head before he was able to escape with her. Bridger later said, "If someone had to die, I thought it should be me."

For his heroics that day, Bridger was also rewarded with a sweet phone call from Downey's Marvel co-star, Tom Holland, who invited the boy (who was dressed as Spidey, natch) to the set of the next Spider-Man film.

And some gifted artists have also shown their love...

Of course, Downey has a long and storied history when it comes to stepping up for fans in need.

Five years ago, the big screen superhero gave fans a chance to win a day of fun, including indoor skydiving and a trip to Avengers: Age of Ultron premiere, if they donated to Omaze with the money going to children's hospice charity Julia's House. 

More recently, following Australia's catastrophic fires back in February, RDJ auctioned off two autographed photos to help benefit relief efforts Down Under.

And in the wake of Covid-19, in May he took part in Evans' All In Challenge that gave away a virtual game night assembling his former Avengers co-stars including Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, and Jeremy Renner. Funds raised went to several food charities including World Central Kitchen and Feeding America.

No doubt, Downey loves his fans 3000.