Robert Downey Jr. is......Iron Man!!!!!
 

From comicscontinuum.com:

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. CAST AS IRON MAN

Robert Downey Jr. has been cast as Tony Stark and Iron Man in Marvel Studios' Iron Man movie.

"Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most talented and acclaimed actors of this generation," said Kevin Feige, president of production at Marvel Studios. "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."

Downey, 41, has dozens of film and television credits, including an Academy Award nomination for 1992's Chaplin. Emerging from the 1980's "Brat Pack," he was a cast member of Saturday Night Live for one season, as well as Ally McBeal.

Recent film credits include Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, Good Night, and Good Luck, The Shaggy Dog, A Scanner Darkly and Gothika, as well as the upcoming Zodiac and Fur.

Like Tony Stark, Downey has fought substance abuse and was jailed for 180 days in December 1997. Stark's struggles with alcoholism will not be portrayed in the first Iron Man film.

Iron Man will be Downey's first lead action role. In an earlier interview director Jon Favreau told The Continuum that getting the best actor was more important than just the latest action-hero star.

"The nice part is that you don't have to go to the same list of usual suspects for casting that you would had this been a studio movie," he said. "Because this is Marvel, they trust the box-office draw of the hero itself and we don't need a name to define the hero. We need a name that's going to service the hero."

Here's how Marvel describes the film:

"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."

Filming of Iron Man will take place in Los Angeles and will probably begin in February or March. Iron Man is scheduled for a May 8, 2008 release.
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Wouldn't have guessed him. Bit of an odd choice, but people thought Michael Keaton was an odd pick for Batman and he turned out fine. Who knows, maybe Downey will do well in the role.

xman25

That makes me slightly mad. Of all the people in the world that is the work pick for an actor. I am pretty sure there where better actors than him. In all honesty if this movie is a bomb, then one of the main reasons will be the actor they chose. There has to be someone that can better portray a rich guy with nothing better to do than fight crime.


After I typed that I thought to check IMDB and they have no set cast for the movie yet. It says Terrance Howard is in talks to be Warmachine, which would be a great thing. It doesnt say anything about who is going to be Tony Stark. If anyone I would pick Hugh Laurie. He has the uncaring bit down so having him deal weapons to the highest bidder would seem to be a problem. He seems to be able to pull off the badass antihero-hero attitude as well. Also if they plan to put Stark in a wheelchair at any point in the movie, he also has expirance with being crippled.

If it is Robert Downey Jr. then that is a sad day, just like the day we realized Halle Berry should not be a superhero.

Robert Downey Jr. is the most overrated actor in movie history fyi.

Jesus Christ that is absolutely brilliant casting. He's a freaking perfect choice for Tony Stark.

He looks and acts the part. And if they manage to get into Stark's drining problem and addictions, who has more experience that Downey? He's got that air about him that he's instantly likeable, but at the same time a little arrogant and is smarter than everyone else in the room.

Christ, I haven't been this pleased with a casting choice since Bale for Batman.

You make absolutely no points except that you adore House. Why is Robert a bad choice?

I'm just glad it's not Tom Cruise.

I dont need to make a point in what I said. I think Robert Downey Jr. Is a bad actor. He was one of the reasons that Kiss,Kiss,Bang,bang didnt get a nation wide release date. Also look at the history of his movies. The only time he has had a good movie is when he was surrounded by other actors who are in many ways better than him, or when he is given a great script to work off of. Other than that he has no real acting talent. Half of his movies dont even get a limited release. It be honest, he is a hasbeen, most of his roles have been side characters or poorly acted lead roles. He has no emotional depth at all.

Also like I said, IMDB does not have him listed for the Iron Man Project, it doesnt even say he is in talks to be in any part of the moive at all. So this isnt a set in stone fact that he will be in the moive. Plus that comic site doesnt look have as trust worthy as IMDB.com, and doesnt even have mention on Terrence Howard being WarMachine. Not to trust worthy in my eyes.

Now if my suggestion for Hugh Laurie as Iron Man leads to you beleive that I "adore House" then you are jumping to conclusions. it is indeed a good show, but I do not adore it. In thinking I figure he is a better actor than Downey Jr. for the soul fact that if you only heard him talk as 'Gregory House' you would never know that he has a english accent. Downey Jr. can barely speak his normal lines with out having to alter his voice in any way. Scanner Darkely is a prime example of his mumbled acting as is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

That is why I think hell will freeze over if Robert Downey Jr. gets the role of Iron Man.

^ That sums up my thoughts pretty much right there. He's a decent actor with life experience to draw on. Inspired casting if you ask me.

I would've thought it curious if Tony Robbins played Tony Stark. He kind of looks like the guy and, well, he's just HUGE. That would be an impressive super hero.

Now the big question is:

Will he be naked under there? (Thanks Seinfeld)

I dunno if this is a good casting. He's a good actor, but it's not like how I felt when they announced Christian Bale to play Batman, or Routh to play as Superman. I think it's not just how he can portray the character, but also how he looks like the character he's portraying. Or maybe it's just me.

Ain't It Cool News
SuperHero Hype
Marvel Comics

Yeah. I'd trust IMDB (which is an editable database of movies first, and a rather sub-par news site second) over these sites too.

Not if you don't want people to listen to you I guess.

It's not like he's an academy award nominee or BAFTA winner or anything.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was given a very small budget by Warner Bros. (who was not confident in the premise, not the actors), then proceeded to go over budget. It debut at Cannes (where it was given a standing ovation) and was hardly ever expected or planned to be a blockbuster movie. It made it's budget back (~$15 mil) at the box office, and that doesn't include DVD sales.

Also, Vemp.

http://cache.defamer.com/hollywood/downeyblackeye.jpg
http://www.electricferret.com/battle.../tonystark.jpg
http://www.fortunecity.com/tatooine/...img/op1603.jpg

He certainly looks the part to me.

I think it's fine.

The only distinctive actor that I found to be a disappointment was Halle Berry playing Storm. Halle Berry isn't a bad actor by any means, but I felt that she didn't have the voice and portrayal of Storm as we or I knew her. I seriously thought Angela Bassett would've been a better choice, but that's just me.

From comicscontinuum.com:

GWYNETH PALTROW IN IRON MAN MOVIE

Marvel Studios announced on Wednesday that it has signed on Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow to join the cast of its Iron Man movie. Paltrow will take on the role of Virginia "Pepper" Potts, personal secretary and confidant to Tony Stark/Iron Man.

Paltrow joins a cast that includes Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and Terrence Howard as Jim Rhodes. The film is being directed by Jon Favreau.

Here's how Marvel describes the character:

"Pepper is an invaluable resource to Stark Industries, and one of the few people in Tony's life who can go toe-to-toe with him, occasionally acting as his conscience and working to keep his priorities straight as he secretly defends the world as the armored hero known as Iron Man. Below the surface, Tony and Pepper share a deep attraction for one another although neither is willing to admit it."

"Gwyneth is the embodiment of a leading lady. She brings intelligence, poise and an incredible range of talent to this role," said Kevin Feige, president of production, Marvel Studios. "We could not be more excited about the great chemistry this illustrious cast will bring to Iron Man."

Filming on Iron Man is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles in March for a May 2, 2008 release.
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xman25

Robert Downey Jr. is the most overrated actor ever. Now that he's going to play Iron Man, I want to know where "THE FUCK" this world is coming to.

Is Robert Downey Jr. the most overrated actor ever?

But seriously, I thought Tom Cruise was. Any reason as to why he was casted in War of the Worlds? Did anyone even bother to read the books? No, half of the audience probably never touched them before seeing the movie. It's sad how things get mainstream'd like this.

Robert Downey Jr. is one cool SOB.
Why the hate?

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark? they're both egotistical... SO I guess it works. I don't know, i think he's career and quality of work as been going down and down the drains for years now. I honestly can't remember one movie in the last couple years that he was in that I liked.

But I originally heard something about Tom Cruise as Iron Man, anyone else heard that?

I'd rather see Robert Downey Jr. over Tom Cruise in the role. Tom Cruise has an outrageous ego that dwarfs any character he plays. If you look at so many of his movie posters... like MI3. The poster reads: TOM CRUISE (uh, yeah the movie's called mi3). I guess you've gotta blame a good deal of that kinda marketing on the fans. It must work on some level. I can't imagine going to see a movie just because a particular actor is in it.

I think Paltrow is a good choice. Even though she's got an Oscar, she still committs to a role and to the project as a whole instead of just seeking personal glory.

Was tom Cruise actually being looked at originally for this film? I have to admit, even though I like Tom in most of his movies, he would definitely not fit the superhero role. I have no real clue who this Downey Jr. guy is, so I have little bias for or against. I will have to see how good he really is when the movie comes out.

Why all the Robert Downy Jr. hate when it's clear that GWYNETH FUCKING I CAN'T DO ANYTHING BUT STARE BLANKLY AT PEOPLE AND THE CAMERA PALTROW is going to be in this as well?

Downy Jr. is pretty cool, despite all the drug stuff in the past, but I don't even know if I could stand sitting through this movie if I have to look at Paltrow every six seconds.

I loved RDJ in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and I'm looking forward to see what he'll do as Tony Stark. Period.

I still think that Jr. is a horrible choice. Just because he looks like him doesn't give any reason to cast. So far the only person that makes any sense is Terrence Howard. Paltrow!?!?!?! Not going to touch this.

All I can say is WTF is with this casting? Why are they putting so many well known actors into a movie like this? Its just going to end like Blade Trilogy, and that was not a good ending.

Personally, I think Downey is a good enough actor, not one of my favorites, but I don't see him fucking this movie up.

And like a few people have said, Robert Downey, Jr. and Tony Stark do have a lot in common, addictions and whatnot.

From marvel.com:

MARVEL STUDIOS ADDS ACADEMY-AWARD® NOMINEE JEFF BRIDGES TO STAR-STUDDED CAST OF IRON MAN

Bridges Joins Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard in Film Being Directed by Jon Favreau


Los Angeles, CA (February 6, 2007) -- Marvel Studios continues to build a golden foundation for its big screen adaptation of Iron Man as it announced today that Jeff Bridges will join the cast of the highly-anticipated summer 2008 event film. Bridges marks the fourth Academy-Award recognized actor signed on to the project, starring alongside Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Oscar® nominee Terrence Howard as Jim "Rhodey" Rhodes and Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow as Virginia "Pepper" Potts. Directed by Jon Favreau, Iron Man is scheduled to blast into theaters May 2, 2008.

Few specifics of Bridges' role were released. He will portray a close business associate of Tony Stark. A confidant and longtime employee at defense contractor Stark Industries, Bridges' character plays a major role in shaping Tony Stark's life.

"We are thrilled to have Jeff Bridges on board Iron Man in this pivotal role. His depth of talent and unique persona make him a perfect addition to this project, truly rounding out the ensemble," said Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios. "His character is central to the entire storyline of the film and we could not have asked for a better choice than Jeff to bring this role to life."

Jeff Bridges has appeared in more than 50 movies during his illustrious career to date, and has garnered numerous accolades. Bridges has received four Academy Award® nominations, including a Best Actor nod for Starman and Supporting Actor recognition for The Contender, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot and The Last Picture Show. Among his other memorable film credits are: The Big Lebowski, Seabiscuit, The Fisher King, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Tucker: The Man and His Dream, Jagged Edge and Against All Odds. In 2007, he will be seen in A Dog Year and provide his vocal talents to the animated film Surf's Up.

Filming on IRON MAN is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles in March 2007. The film will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.
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xman25

I just wonder if Robert Downey Jr can stay out of jail long enough to finish the movie.

Looks like Nick Fury might make an appearance in 'Iron Man':

http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5892

I hope it's true.

xman25

"But, isn't Nick Fury a white guy?"

...was my initial response, but after doing a wiki search on him I discovered that Ultimate Nick Fury is black, and is actually modeled after Samuel L. Jackson himself. So in that case, sounds pretty fitting. :)

This site has a cast photo:

http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5904

This page has a shot of the suit:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...tonIronman.jpg

xman25

Downey really isn't a bad spot for this role, although I have slight hesitation with him filling in the role of the "super hero spokesman," insomuch as that's what Tony Stark does in the Marvel universe. I dunno, I don't really find Downey as much of an intellectual. He does however, have the endearing qualities that humanize Tony Stark. So perhaps if he picks up his acting a notch, he'll be convincing enough. Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard stand to carry this film, though -- assuming their parts are big enough.

If a film like this doesn't have a high-calibre cast and flops, then I'm not too disappointed. But with this cast this thing better be Oscar-worthy! Really, although superhero films are "fantasy," that's no excuse for them to have shoddy writing, dialogue, and storylines.

A new poster for the movie.

xman25

Hello Daredevil (and Ghost Rider).

I've spent years of my life and I'd say almost 2 grand getting every issue of Iron Man from about issue 12 of Vol.1 onwards to the current issue of Vol.4.

I love Iron Man. My anticipation of this movie is such that I'll probably kill myself (or maybe someone else) if it sucks.

No disrespect for Nick Cage, but the guy's acting range isn't exactly rich and deep. The casts in those movies were well known, but I'd hardly call them top-class billing by any stretch. Daredevil had, what, Michael Duncan? That and the director fucking sucked in both cases. Same person if memory serves at that.

Daredevil had some nice pictures, but overall it's in my book as the downright worst superhero movie there was after 2000.
Incredibly bad dialouge, cheesy to the bone, ridiculous scenes and boring fights...
Still I'll go and see Ghost Rider. (On a rented DVD as I've missed in the Theater)
And I can't understand how in the world people think this pile of garbage (DD) is better than Hulk. I loved Hulk. Despite of some minor flaws it might have had.

Iron Man... Well, I've never been into the comics. But he's among the cooler Marvel heroes. Of course no match for the competition (DC's ultra-rich guy in super-suit, yes Batman of course! :D ) but still pretty cool.
And Downey Jr. makes one hell of a Tony Stark.

http://www.dailymotion.com/ingy489/v...u_iron-man-exc

It's looking... awesome. San Diego Comic Con clip/trailer. Hit all the right notes.

Wait, what is the story with all the suits. Is the first bulky looking one the prototype, with the sleek version near the end being the Iron Man suit that everyone knows. I also thought I saw another one with wires around the helmet.

The blue glow from the eyes is it.

It's probably the same kind of deal Nolan went with Batman Begins. You know, at first he's just like some ninja, then with some resources, he creates a better batsuit.

At first he doesn't have any resources at all and then crafts something bulky, hard to move in and control, and then when he gets back to the good ol' U.S. of A he's able to take the technology he owns and make something better.

He builds the first grey suit with spare parts he finds as a POW and uses it to escape/kill everything. When he gets back to the States he builds the traditional armor. The big difference between Iron Man and say, Captain America or Superman, is that Iron Man's costume is expected to change. He changes it as he sees fit, with new artists adding or subtracting what they feel is necessary. Hulkbuster, Thorbuster, Stealth MK II, Space MK I, Extremis, he has tons of different costumes.

The movie one seems to be similiar to the current armor seen in Civil War and New Avengers. They have called this "final armor" (the one with the badass glowing eyes and F22 escort) the MK III version in press releases. So;

The grey version he builds to escape (with flame-throwing action!) is the MK I, the big bulky thing with glowing eyes that only makes a quick appearance is probably the MK II (built upon the first platform, but still refining ideas), and the glowing eye badass one is the MK III armor, or as advanced as it's gonna get in this movie.

The first official trailer as been released: Apple - Trailers - Iron Man

Looks good. I really think Downey has Tony Stark nailed.

xman25

The trailer does indeed look good, really good. This is one of the 2008 films I'm really looking forward to.

So who else cracked a big grin when Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" started playing? I couldn't help myself.

Looks pretty good so far. I've never really been a big Iron Man fan, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this.

Some new footage from the movie: YouTube - Iron Man

xman25

Damn.. Robert Downey JR is the best choice of all to be Stark. But I've seen this preview on my ps3..good thing to relive something that's coming our way soon...

Full trailer: The Full Iron Man Trailer! - Superhero Hype!

xman25

Trailer looks good. I'm really looking forward to this now. Actually, I don't know at this time of many future films coming out in 2008 so this is high on my radar.

Has anyone found a working 1080p version?

EDIT: http://largeassets.myspacecdn.com/hd...nman_1080p.mov

Reactions to early viewings of Iron Man. There are some spoilers:

A Ton Of Early IRON MAN Reactions Come Roaring Into Geek Headquarters! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

xman25

I saw the movie today. It was very good. I liked it a lot. The movie moves at a pretty fast pace. Jeff Bridges plays a really good bad guy. I don't think I've ever seen him as a bad guy before. I really liked the bonus scene after the credits end. The scene and Downey's cameo in the next Hulk movie are to set up a shared movie universe.

xman25

I just got back from seeing this movie tonight. It is actually my second most anticipated movie of the summer movie season. I'm glad that this movie did not dissappoint me. I personally felt it was one of the better marvel films. I couldn't really think of one bad thing to say about the movie. Iron Man has been one of my favourite marvel characters over the last three years.

I enjoyed everything about it. There was a lot of product placement especially for audi, but I guess product placement is to be expected especially for the big summer blockbusters.

This movie had a lot of humour. I felt like the time just passed by. It was a very fast paced movie. In my eyes definetely worth the 11 bucks I spent to see it.

Coming from someone who knew nothing about Iron Man going in, the movie was a bit predictable, but still very enjoyable. Just the right amount of humor, and it didn't drag at all. The movie could have done with a few more action sequences, but I'm not complaining.

I just saw it this afternoon as well, and I too really liked it. I agree with Angel Of Light, in that this was definitely one of the better marvel movies. I thought it was a great first entry and definitely can't to see what Favreau has in mind for the sequel. The whole development of the suit was great, specifically the scene with the thrusters (hmm, that miniatre arc reactor technology he developed might make a good 4th year project). Haha and that bonus scene at the end of the credits, just awesome! Definitely stay after the credits if you're a Marvel fan.


Also, I was surprised by the number of great trailers this movie was carrying: Indy 4, The Dark Knight, and The Incredible Hulk (which actually looks pretty good). Iron Man is a great kick off to this summer's line up of movies.

In NZ we had Indy 4, Wanted, Hellboy 2 and Get Smart - all looking rather must-see at this stage. Btw, awesome movie. Better than (dare I say it) Transformers :)

Definitely a kickass movie. I wouldn't have minded it being a little "darker," but it was alright. Tony Starks is a lil money. So was the stinger:

I saw it on thursday with a packed crowd and I have to say that this movie was definitely worth the watch.
It did something different than the other marvel movies and thats some awesome humor coming from the main character.


I can't wait to see what the do with part 2. Marvel movies usually do better for the sequels except for the third part (ie x-men 2, spiderman 2)

There is one strange thing I did not notice about iron man. I probably should of included it in my original post. Its probably nothing or maybe just a horrible coincidence.

When tony stark was getting ready to go into one of the buildings and in the front of the building there was a statue of a fighter jet. I couldn't help but notice the lettering on the tail wing of that statue. It said YF-22, the reason that name sounds so familiar to me, and maybe to a few anime fans as well is that it is name of one of the macross fighters from macross plus.

I thought nothing of it until I actually seen the statue of the jet which actually showed some resemblences to the shape of the original YF-22. Its probably nothing, it could of been a horrible coincidence or maybe someone in the movie was a macross fan. I just thought I would point that out in case if anybody missed it if it is valid of course.

Well, the YF-22 was an actual prototype plane back in the 90's so it's probably not an anime reference.

Sorry, buddy. The YF-22 was the prototype designation for the F-22 Raptor. Back then, it was called the Lightning II (The F-35 now holds this name, actually). It was the winning design for the Advanced Tactical Fighter program against the YF-23, waaaaaay back in the early 90s.

While I haven't seen the movie yet, the statue is more than likely representitive of this prototype.

It could also be commemorative of the crash of one of the prototypes that occured after the contract was awarded (the pilot survived, though), although I'm unsure if a real statue exists as a memorial to that event, seeing as how no one perished. It's far more likely that it's just a statue representing the prototype in general.

Either way, it's more likely it's that than any reference to Macross. Sorry Charlie.

Thats alright, I wasn't really familiar with military aircraft. Its just when I seen the aircraft for the first time and the lettering for it, its the first thing that came to mind, but thanks for clearing that up - greatly appreciate it. I learn something new everyday.

Just remember guys, stay until the end of the credits. You'll be in for a "surprise."

Just saw it again this evening, and noticed this:

Just saw it (yeah, a bit late...), and what can I say. It IS the best marvel movie up to now.