Sci-Fi News and Reviews

Downey Jr. to be 'Iron Man'

According to many sources, Robert Downey Jr. has been cast as Tony Stark the upcoming 'Iron Man' movie. The movie, based on the classic Marvel Comics character, is set for release by Paramount in May 2008 and will be directed by Jon Favreau.

Downey will play the title role of Tony Stark, a wealthy industrialist who invents a high-tech suit of body armor that allows him to fly and become a weapon of mass destruction, as well as maintain his own failing health.

I am a little torn over the choice of Downey for the role. On one hand, he is extremely talented. In addition to his Oscar nominated performance in 'Chaplin', he has been in a score of good movies, including 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang', which is an underrated gem.

On the other hand, the vibe that I get from Downey is that of an underdog - someone who struggles to affect the world around him, and is often the victim of said world. This is very different than the public image of Tony Stark; he is a suave, confident business man in public. Granted, he struggles with his failing health and alcholism in private (and, clearly, addition is a topic that Downey can related to), but without the public facade, Iron Man is an incomplete character.

In the final analysis, Downey is talented enough to play a wide array of characters - Tony Stark will be a challenge, but an attainable one. Plus, Downey is at the point in his career that he would likely accept a role in the rumored 'Avengers' movie, in which 'Iron Man' will be a central character. He will have the opportunity to create a new interpretation of a classic character over a series of movies. It's a good move for Marvel, and a good move for Downey.

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Posted by Fred on September 29, 2006 10:46 PM
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