The following is from www.marvel.com
Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man
Film To be Directed by Jon Favreau And Distributed By Paramount Pictures To Blast Into Theaters May 2, 2008
HOLLYWOOD, CA, September 29, 2006 – Academy Award® Nominee Robert Downey Jr. will take on the role of one of Marvel’s greatest Super Heroes, signing on as the title character for Marvel Studios’ highly-anticipated IRON MAN. This project, the first feature film to be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment, will launch into theaters May 2, 2008. The film is being directed by Jon Favreau and will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Downey is widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. Nominated for an Oscar® for his extraordinary portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin, Downey has been featured in more than 50 films. His upcoming credits include Fur (co-starring Nicole Kidman), A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, and the David Fincher film Zodiac. He has also recently been seen in such films as: A Scanner Darkly, The Shaggy Dog, Good Night, and Good Luck, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Gothika, The Singing Detective and Wonder Boys.
Based upon Marvel’s iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN tells the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. Upon his return to America, Tony must come to terms with his past. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man.
“Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most talented and acclaimed actors of this generation. His versatility sets him apart and makes him an ideal fit to play such a complex character as Iron Man. We could not think of another actor better suited to bring one of Marvel’s crown jewels to the big screen and be the centerpiece of our first independently produced feature,” said Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios.
Marvel Studios is currently casting all supporting roles. Filming is slated to begin in Los Angeles in February 2007.
I have to say, I like their choice to play the lead in this movie. However, I seem to recall Favreau saying that he was looking into casting an unknown actor. Perhaps I misread that, or it was just a rumor. Well, anything is better then having Tom Cruise drive this movie into thr ground. But I have to wonder, did they chose Downey because of his history with alcoholism? Because that would be a trait that he shares with the lead character, and I wonder if that issue will be addressed in this movie. If so, I wouldn’t be surpised if we see Downey back in rehab before the films release.
