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.
IRON MAN will be produced by Mr. Feige and Avi Arad.
Executive Producers are Michael Helfant, Ari Arad, Mr. Favreau, Louis D’Esposito
and Peter Billingsley. Mr. Downey is represented by CAA.