Marvel confirms that Robert Downey Jr. is set for two “Iron Man” sequels and “The Avengers,” reprising his role as billionaire Tony Sark/Iron Man. See photos and video of the Academy Award nominated actor who stars in these highly anticipated movies.
Robert Downey Jr. has quite a superhero future ahead of him with this landmark four-picture deal with the comic book company, which retroactively includes the original “Iron Man” movie. The acclaimed actor, who made his screen debut at age 5, rose to stardom with his Oscar nominated performance in “Chaplin” (1992).
Given the sizable haul, Marvel needed to lock down Downey for future pics. Thesp’s been filling up his dance card with projects. He’s currently lensing Warner Bros.’ “Sherlock Holmes,” which could also turn into a new franchise for Downey. Either way, deals put Downey front and center in a major tentpole each year through 2012.
Jon Favreau’s Iron Man was an international box office hit, grossing $578 million worldwide. In the U.S. the movie grossed $318 million, a number second only to the historic box office success of “The Dark Knight.” The sequel was in the planning stages within days of its release in May 2008.
Iron Man 2 is set for release May 7, 2010, and “The Avengers” has a tentative release date, July 15, 2011. Favreau will direct the Iron man sequel and serve as executive producer of “The Avengers” according to Marvel, which also confirmed that Don Cheadle is replacing Terrence Howard as Col. James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes in the Iron Man sequel as well as in “The Avengers.” No release date has been announced for “Iron Man 3.”
Although 2011 is quite a way into the future, Marvel has given us a hint of what we may expect in “The Avengers.”
“In a movie event, The Avengers will bring together the super hero team of Marvel Comics characters for the first time ever, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and more, as they are forced to band together to battle the biggest foe they’ve ever faced.”
While Robert Downey Jr.’s future looms bright, he had had already a tremendous 2008. Regarding his Iron Man success, he acknowledged and praised director Jon Favreau.
“If there was anything groundbreaking about me lately, it’s that Jon started a bit of a trend. He makes less-than-obvious casting choices for big movies. He motivates people who had been around for a while and lets ‘em take a shot at the title.”
In addition to “Iron Man” Downey starred in the Ben Stiller comedy, “Tropic Thunder,” as an Australian actor who darkens his skin to play a black character in a Vietnam War movie. The popular movie has grossed more than $170 million worldwide since its August 2008 release. He also stars in “The Soloist” based on a true story in which he plays L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez, who befriends a mentally disturbed homeless musician (Jamie Foxx) who had attended Julliard. The movie was initially set for release in November 2008 but rescheduled for a March 2009 release.
More photos and a video of Robert Downey Jr. are below.
Photos: www.wenn.com