Movies
Robert Downey Jr has signed up to star as the superhero in a Hollywood adaptation of Marvel comic book Iron Man.
The Oscar nominated actor is set to start filming for the role, the latest of a string of movies based on popular comics, in February.
Kevin Feige, president of productions for Marvel Studios, said he was delighted with the deal, adding that Downey Jr had the versatility needed to play such a "complex" character.
Created in the early 1960s, Iron Man fights evil aided by his high-tech armour. Mr Feige added: "We cannot think of another actor better suited to bring one of Marvel's crown jewels to the big screen."
Downey Jr, who has recently agreed to write an autobiography, came though a period of drug use and spent time in prison in the 1990s.
The Oscar nominated actor is set to start filming for the role, the latest of a string of movies based on popular comics, in February.
Kevin Feige, president of productions for Marvel Studios, said he was delighted with the deal, adding that Downey Jr had the versatility needed to play such a "complex" character.
Created in the early 1960s, Iron Man fights evil aided by his high-tech armour. Mr Feige added: "We cannot think of another actor better suited to bring one of Marvel's crown jewels to the big screen."
Downey Jr, who has recently agreed to write an autobiography, came though a period of drug use and spent time in prison in the 1990s.
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