Continuing in a line of Hollywood actors turned superheroes; Robert Downey Jr. has been picked for the title role in the upcoming Paramount Pictures' Marvel comic book character Iron Man.
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Marvel Entertainment will finance the entire project - the first time they've done that.
Downey reportedly fought hard to get the role, getting physically in shape and growing a goatee in the style of the title character Tony Stark (Iron Man).
Kevin Feige, Marvel's president of production, commented: "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, 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."
Marvel is going to sink $100 million into the film, a little risky for a first-time outing. Jon Favreau has been picked to direct the film while it will be produced by Feige and Avi Arad.
Shooting will begin in February of 2007 and is scheduled for release in May 2008.
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