Robert Downey Jr. Signs On For "Iron Man 3" And "The Avengers"

LOS ANGELES — Robert Downey Jr. will strap on his metal suit to join the superhero team effort "The Avengers" in addition to "Iron Man 2," Marvel Studios announced Tuesday.

Downey is reprising his role as billionaire genius Tony Stark from last summer's blockbuster "Iron Man," with the sequel due out May 7, 2010, and "The Avengers," scheduled for July 15, 2011.

The movies are part of a four-picture deal between Downey and Marvel.

"Iron Man" director Jon Favreau is returning to direct "Iron Man 2" and serve as executive producer on "The Avengers," which will team the guy in the metal suit with Marvel Comics heroes the Hulk, Captain America, Thor and others.

Don Cheadle is joining the "Iron Man 2" cast as Stark's ally Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes. Cheadle replaces Terrence Howard, who played Rhodes in "Iron Man."

The Rhodes role is being expanded for the sequel, said Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios. In the comic books, Rhodes dons Stark's silver backup suit, which is retrofitted with heavy artillery, to become Iron Man sidekick War Machine.

"It has already become apparent as we prep the movie for production that the dynamic between Robert and Don will take `Iron Man 2' to new heights," said Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios.

"Iron Man" kicked off a huge summer for Hollywood with a $98.6 million opening weekend last May. The film grossed $318.3 million domestically, the year's second-biggest hit behind "The Dark Knight," which has taken in $527.4 million.

Comments

[screwedrus]

Who are they gonna tag to be Captain America? That's an iconic character if ever there was one. It'll be hard.

[ThermoChemist]

"Who are they gonna tag to be Captain America?"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I've read one rumor that American Gladiator "Titan" (MIke O'Hearn) could be a potential
candidate for the role of the Star Spangled Avenger...! He is 6 foot 3 and weighs 261 lbs --
with some experience in martial arts.

http://www.americangladiatorstitan.com/

While he more than adequately fits the physical requirements of the role, I'm not sure of his acting abilities (!?!)

[jc77]

the cameo at the end of the incredible hulk was v cool. it's about time a serious character actor plays a serious comic book hero. looking forward to it!

[Ides]

Patrick Stewart? Hugh Jackman? Michael Keaton? Christian Bale? Ian McKellan? Jack Nicholson? Heath Ledger? Aaron Eckhart? Gary Oldman? Val Kilmer? George Clooney? (I don't mind if you forget that role.) Willem Dafoe? Alfred Molina? Thomas Haden Church?

Just saying. We've been around the block with excellent, serious actors in serious comic book hero roles.

[egalindo101]

Thank you! I have this argument with people all the time. Some of the movies may have stunk, but some of the acting has been good. Really good. There is a reason guys like Robert Downy, et. al., want these roles: because they're good material that real good actors can get into. I'm looking forward to these movies.