Merrick here...


Hollywood Reporter is saying that Robert Downey Jr. is in talks to star in COWBOYS & ALIENS for Universal/DreamWorks. This one's slated for a 2010 release.

Cowboys & Aliens derives from a graphic novel written by Fred Van Lente and Andrew Foley from an original idea by Rosenberg. The story centers on an Old West battle between the Apache and Western settlers, including a former Union Army gunslinger named Zeke Jackson (Downey), that is interrupted by a spaceship crashing into the prairie near Silver City, Ariz.

The story draws a parallel between the American imperialist drive to conquer the "savage" Indians with its advanced technology and the aliens' assault on Earthlings, who must join together to survive the invaders' attack.

...says THIS ARTICLE in Hollywood Reporter.

It's unclear how (or IF) this would impact the IRON MAN sequel, already announced for April of the same year.

Last week we learned that Marvel was being cheap with Favreau (more HERE) - and that it was possible he might not return for a sequel. If he left the project, would Downey...who was deeply involved with the first installment's development...follow?

If Favreau and Downey do return, it's likely IRON 2 would be pushed to a later date; Favreau's already indicated he felt the April 2010 release date (an announced date made without his consultation) was unrealistic & that more time might be needed to get it right (more HERE).

Curiouser and curiouser...