He’s Still Iron Man (At Least For 2 More Sequels)

Regardless of whether you loved or loathed “Iron Man 3” the prospect of a sequel to “The Avengers” devoid of Robert Downey Jr. was a dreary prospect no one wanted to face. Well good news Marvel faithful, the actor has signed a new 2-picture agreement to appear in “The Avengers 2” AND “The Avengers 3.” There’s no mention of an “Iron Man 4” in the contract so as the actor previously hinted, it’s probably safe to assume that there won’t be any solo outings for the ‘Armored Avenger’ anytime soon.

You can read the official press release from Marvel.com below. The news from Marvel also hints at more such announcements to come in the next few days, weeks and months. Of course, expect the Hollywood trades to start digging for scoops to beat Marvel to the punch. The countdown to San Diego Comic-Con has officially begun!

“I am Iron Man.”

Tony Stark’s famous closing line to the very first Iron Man film takes on new life today as Marvel is pleased to announce the signing of Robert Downey, Jr. to reprise the role of the “billionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist.”

Under the two-picture agreement, Downey will star as Tony Stark/Iron Man in “Marvel’s The Avengers 2” and “Marvel’s The Avengers 3.” Downey is represented at CAA by Bryan Lourd, Jim Toth and Matt Leaf and by his attorneys Tom Hansen and Stewart Brookman of the firm Hansen Jacobson.

Downey, Jr.’s last two Marvel films, 2012’s “Marvel’s The Avengers” and this year’s “Iron Man 3,” rank as two of the top five grossing films of all time, collectively earning over $2.7 billion worldwide to date.

“Marvel’s The Avengers 2” is being written and directed by Joss Whedon. Featuring favorites from the first Avengers film and new Marvel characters never before seen on the big screen, “Marvel’s The Avengers 2” is slated to begin production in March 2014 and open in theaters May 1, 2015.

Thrilled by this mega announcement, Marvelites? Well, be sure you stay glued to Marvel.com because in the coming days and weeks and months, Marvel.com will be FIRST in the world to reveal additional casting updates, new characters coming to Marvel movies and so much more — directly from the most secret meetings at Marvel! You wouldn’t want to miss out on that now, would you?!