NEWS: I Am Iron Man: Robert Downey Jr. Gets a Marvel Idea

CELEB: I Am Iron Man: Robert Downey Jr. Gets a Marvel Idea

Marvel comic book character Iron Man (née Tony Stark) has been tapped as the next-big-super-hero-franchise to hit the big screen. The film will be directed by Jon Favreau (Swingers, Elf) and the armored man with super-human strength will be played by the oddly cast Robert Downey Jr. who, last I checked, seemed more comfortable filling a jail cell than filling a padded costume.

Iron Man was originally created as an anti-communist hero in the early '60s as part of the Avengers' team. However, over the years he developed into a unique, multi-faceted character who battled many of the same demons as the common man...particularly alcoholism, which led him to become a homeless vagrant at one point in the series. (So that explains Downey Jr...)

The Iron Man cast will also include Gwyneth Paltrow as Stark's sexy secretary Virginia "Pepper" Potts.

Marvel Entertainment will begin production on the film this Spring and predicts a May 2, 2008 release.

and Terrence Howard as James Rhodes aka Rhodey aka WAR MACHINE

So long as the studio lets them acknowledge and incorporate the alcoholism this might turn out to be one of the best comic movies ever.

Last I heard, Favreau was going to hold off on the alcoholism for a sequel.

I actually like Robert Downey Jr. quite a bit, especially after Kiss Kiss Bang Bang...but as Tony Stark? I am skeptical.

Should have been Ghostface.

word.

Ironman isn't really a padded costume sort of superhero.

Anyone else read "The Ultimates"? They made the joke in there about Johnny Depp as Iron Man. A good choice I think, but then, Downey's been attached to the role via old Wizard Magazines casting call dream articles since way back in the 90's. Funny how it stuck. Funny, really, how those old WIzard casting call articles from ten years back seemed to have predicted the people who'd end up with the roles when the films were finally made, like when they said Patrick Stewart was the onlly suitable actor for Xavier.

I still wish their Danzig as Wolverine prediction had panned out.

And on that note, the Iron Man movie should really take a lot of cues from The Ultimates, man, that series is brilliantly written.

i'm sure he'll have some padding underneath that iron clad exterior

Hmm. Loved the old Iron Man comics - wish I hadn't hadn't sold my old colection for ridiculously low sum in the mid-80s, but I think Downey'll be all right as Stark/Iron Man.

This choice makes me happy.

It's interesting that marvel is making the films themselves rather than selling the liscence to sony or something, seems like more of a risk but I suppose they get all the merchandise moolah this way.

As for downey I liked him in the linklater film but who knows.

the RDJ jail cell comment seemed kind of cheap.

this sounds promising.

Last I checked he was a good actor who was filling interesting roles. I wouldn't call that an odd cast or a poor choice. I really don't understand the doubters on this one; the guy is well suited to play a rich alcoholic.

Well, personally I think Mr. Downey is casted well enough. I always though Tony Stark was a rich jerk anyways and I think he could play that well enough...No, I'm not saying Jr. is a douche in anyway, I'm just saying that he could play the role well enough. At least it's better casting than Nicholas Cage for Ghostrider...

god damn it! I'm goin' have to stick up for Robert! he's using all of that conflict and has become a damn good actor. Comic book flics are always a tough ... let's hope they stick to the strengths of comic and not go over the top with the fuckin' C.G.I ... Downing Jr. will do a good job ... I hope, I'm excited to see it ... in 12 years when they finally finish it.

...also no sign of Tom Cruise, who was supposedly interested in the role for a long time.

another one of my favorite comic book characters hits the big screen. hopefully Downey can pull it off. Terrence Howard as James Rhodes and Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts is pretty damn awesome. can't wait.

Yeah, let's not go overboard on the CGI with the flying robot man.

I like how Iron Man fucked Communism right in the ass.

I'm so, so, so, SO happy that it wasn't Tom Cruise, as rumored. I think RDJ is really great for this role... he looks like Tony Stark. My Boy is a huge Iron Man fan (since 9 years old) and he's really turned me on to this character... previously I was pretty much only into X-men. But now I'm all about Iron Man. Go RDJ, he'll do fine.

I'm down with Downy Jr.

i thought Tom Cruise was rumored to do it because he's a fan of the books. Meh, it doesn't matter. He would never have been cast, Tony Stark isn't 5'4".