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Downey Jr., Favreau & Cheadle Suit Up for The Avengers!

Source:Marvel Entertainment

October 28, 2008

Marvel Studios has sent out the following two-part production update for Iron Man 2 and The Avengers!

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. AND JON FAVREAU SUIT UP FOR MARVEL STUDIOS' THE AVENGERS AND IRON MAN 2

As part of his four picture deal with Marvel Studios, Robert Downey Jr. is appearing as Tony Stark in THE AVENGERS motion picture, as well as reprising his starring role as the larger-than-life leading character in IRON MAN 2. Jon Favreau will return to direct the sequel to the blockbuster IRON MAN, which to date has grossed over $578 million worldwide, as well as executive produce THE AVENGERS.

Academy Award® nominee Downey was most recently seen in the summer comedy blockbuster TROPIC THUNDER starring opposite Ben Stiller and Jack Black. Before Iron Man, he was best known for his film roles in KISS KISS BANG BANG, WONDER BOYS and CHAPLIN, the film for which he was nominated for an Oscar®.

In addition to directing the first IRON MAN, Favreau has previously directed ELF, ZATHURA: A SPACE ADVENTURE and MADE. He is also well known for writing and starring in SWINGERS. He will next be seen acting in FOUR CHRISTMASES, I LOVE YOU MAN and COUPLES RETREAT.

DON CHEADLE WILL STAR AS RHODEY IN IRON MAN 2

Marvel Studios is pleased today to confirm that an agreement has been finalized with award-winning actor Don Cheadle to take on the role of Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes in Marvel's IRON MAN 2 due in theaters on May 7, 2010. In casting Cheadle, Marvel replaces Terrence Howard who appeared in the role of Rhodey in IRON MAN.

Cheadle is also signed on to perform the same role in THE AVENGERS and subsequent installments of the IRON MAN franchise.

"We are very excited about working with the extraordinarily talented Don Cheadle as we expand the role of Rhodey in Iron Man 2. It has already become apparent as we prep the movie for production, that the dynamic between Robert and Don will take Iron Man 2 to new heights," said Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios.

Cheadle is best known for his Oscar® nominated lead performance in HOTEL RWANDA as well as his role as Basher Tarr in the OCEAN'S franchise, CRASH and SWORDFISH.

Based on Marvel's iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN 2 continues the story of this summer's box office blockbuster IRON MAN, the first feature film produced independently by Marvel Studios. IRON MAN 2 will be produced by Marvel Studios' President, Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Louis D'Esposito, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, David Maisel and Denis Stewart.

In a movie event, THE AVENGERS will bring together the super hero team of Marvel Comics characters for the first time ever, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and more, as they are forced to band together to battle the biggest foe they've ever faced.

The highly anticipated sequel to IRON MAN will be released in theatres on May 7, 2010 and THE AVENGERS will be released July 15, 2011. Both films will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Cheadle is represented by UTA. Downey and Favreau are represented by CAA.

COMMENTS (87)

Posted by:

RavenlordAriel

October 28, 2008

hmmmmmm......While I do like Don Cheadle as an actor I think it's really shady that Terrence Howard lost the part of Colonel Rhodes is pretty disappointing. That's like re-casting Storm or Wolverine in the original Xmen movies you just don't do that. I was already invested in Terrence Howard playing War Machine and now I have to adjust and accept that he is being replaced. I'm still looking forward to the movie but I think that change will bother me as I'm watching it.

Posted by:

The Dude

October 28, 2008

I wasn't a big fan of Rhodey. He did OK, but nothing really outstanding. It's a shame that he had to go and shoot himself in the foot like that, though.

Posted by:

Dante

October 28, 2008

I think Don Cheadle will take the role to a next level. Howard was really good, but the studio wont change its mind, so I'm eager to just enjoy the ride on these next movies!!!

Posted by:

kizsjz4m3

October 28, 2008

This is absurd! Terrence Howard was perfect for the role of Rhodey Rhodes...No offense to Don Cheadle but i think marvel mad a big mistake...
= [

Posted by:

steve04

October 28, 2008

wow they actually have an official date up for the Avengers now. awesome.

Norton better be in the Avengers

Posted by:

skekzok0

October 28, 2008

I would be very suprised to see norton sign on for an avengers movie.
I am looking forward to Cheadle taking over the role. I admit, I don't like it when actors change between sequels.
An Avengers movie will not work unless they do Captain America the right way.

Posted by:

Ole

October 28, 2008

They've had a date for the Avengers for a few months now.

One would hope we'd get confirmation in the near future that Norton will be the Hulk in the movie.

Posted by:

jay

October 28, 2008

People really need to let Howard go. This is a step up for Marvel (signing Cheadle). He's a way better actor than Howard and has better voice.

I love the fact that RDJ will be in the Avengers. Along with Edward Norton, Cheadle, etc.

Posted by:

Michael Banno

October 28, 2008

I wonder what Rhodey's role in Avengers will be. Maybe they'll have War Machine in that as well.

Posted by:

Iron Fist

October 28, 2008

I hate watching g a sequel when they change characters. It just ruins the movie. You get so comfortable to a character and how an actor portrays him that when its changed, it changes the movie as well. Now I like Don Cheadle as an actor but Terrance Howard should be back for the part. He got screwed out of the deal and I think that will have an effect on the reviews on part 2 as well now I'm not as excited as I was to see a part 2.