Robert Downey Jr. Going the Distance With Iron Man

Tue., Oct. 28, 2008 11:04 PM PDT by Natalie Finn

Paramount Pictures

Here's some Stark reality for you.

The rejuvenated Robert Downey Jr. has inked an extensive deal with Marvel Studios that will have him not only suiting up for two more Iron Man films, but also reprising the role of Tony Stark and his heavy-metal alter ego in the upcoming superhero all-stars film The Avengers.

While planning for Iron Man 2 has been in full swing for some time, with the most recent announcement being that Don Cheadle will be playing Col. James Rhodes instead of Terrence Howard, Marvel had not confirmed that Downey and director Jon Favreau would be back.

Well, not only will Favreau be behind the camera again, but he will also serve as a producer on The Avengers, featuring the Marvel characters Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Captain America and Thor (and not to be confused with the laughable 1998 film of the same name starring Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman).

But really, why wouldn't he and Downey want to come back?

In addition to mainly positive reviews, Iron Man grossed nearly $580 million worldwide.

Its first sequel is currently slated for a May 7, 2010, release, while The Avengers is tentatively set to unspool July 15, 2011.

Downey, who after Iron Man made a splash this summer in the raunchy Tropic Thunder, is currently in London shooting his role as the titular sleuth in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, costarring Jude Law and Rachel McAdams.