LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) — Robert Downey, Jr. is suiting up to star in “Iron Man,” a superhero movie based on the Marvel Comics character.
Jon Favreau is directing the Paramount Pictures release. Filming is slated to begin in February in Los Angeles for a proposed May 2008 release.
The comic debuted in the 1960s, and Iron Man’s origin involved Stark being a prisoner of the Viet Cong. The movie version will be set in today’s geopolitical climate.
Budgeted at more than $100 million, it marks the first feature film to be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment, which previously licensed its characters, such as “Spider-Man” and “X-Men,” to other studios.
Marvel president of production Kevin Feige said the filmmakers looked for the best actor to embody the character.
“The Marvel characters are not just about how high they jump or how fast they fly, they’re about their character flaws,” Feige said. “They’re about their inner demons. They’re about the struggles that they go through between being a man and being a hero.”
Downey, who has battled his fair share of inner demons, worked hard to get the role, getting in shape and even growing a goatee like the one Stark sports in the comic books.
“In every casting announcement we’ve done, people in their mind’s eye have their own view of it and let us know about it. We’re used to it,” Feige said. “The point is, we looked at everybody, and we found the best person for the role. It’s as confident a casting move as we’ve ever done. The proof will be in the pudding, but he is Tony Stark.”
Downey returns to theaters on November 10 in the Diane Arbus biopic “Fur” opposite Nicole Kidman.
I hope this isn’t true! Iron Man is my favorite comic character and Downey is a moron/asshole/drug addict/etc. Why the hell does this guy keep getting work!!
Ah….I think it’s called multi-talented with a the right amount of on-screen charisma. Even asshole ex-junkies can have talent worth watching.
Can Iron Man get a needle into his arm?
Just wonderin’.
Excellent point Tallgrrl 😉
No
Way
Moron and an Asshole? Have you met him? BTW alcoholism is a form of drug addiction make no mistake and your favourite comic character …Shane… is a former drunk. He keeps getting work because he is a talented actor. That is all.
I think Downey Jr. is one of the most talented people to have ever graced the silver screen or the stage. He is multi gifted with more talent in his baby finger than most of us have in our entire body. It is a shame that he also has an addictive personality, but hey, who doesn’t? At least, the man is trying to stay clean and has been relatively successful in his rehab of late. Hell, if I were shooting a movie he would be one of only 5 actors I would ever look to for a performance that I know would be outstanding.
I had to think about this for a day before deciding it’s a great choice. Iron Man, and Tony Stark, are my favorite characters in the Marvel U and I really want this movie to do it justice. Aintitcool.com made a great point when they said something like, “who better to portray the darker Tony Stark than a man who’s been down the same path.” Plus, Robert Downey is a great actor. Now we need to see which suit they’ll use! I’m routing for the Red and Silver one with the linebacker shoulder pad. Best. . .suit. . .ever!
Oh I know Stark is an alcoholic in the comics; I have almost every issue from 68-present. And I know Downey is loved by many, but I am not one of the many and I am appalled by the choice!! I really wish they had went with a no name actor or someone lesser known than Downey, as they usually do in Superhero franchises!!
I am so totally on board with this choice! He’s an awesome actor, which is why he gets work even despite his past problems. He’s going to ROCK this role!