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AICN EXCLUSIVE!! IRON MAN Has Found Its Tony Stark!!

First.... by Bugaboo	Sep 28th, 2006 07:12:16 PM
Freaking Brilliant!
Brilliant!!! by DonkeyTron	Sep 28th, 2006 07:12:28 PM
I LOVE IT!!! Bravo Favreau!!!
first? by kill yr. idols	Sep 28th, 2006 07:13:27 PM
Downy jr is the man, good call. (If true)
damn by kill yr. idols	Sep 28th, 2006 07:13:46 PM
so close
That's fuckin' ballsy. by thenewpulper	Sep 28th, 2006 07:14:31 PM
Let's see how it plays out.
Hate it by Buddapest	Sep 28th, 2006 07:14:51 PM
If Tony Stark was gay, I could see it.
Wow by Hell_Bender	Sep 28th, 2006 07:15:05 PM
Fantastic casting. I'm in love with this decision.
Really? by TheMackenzie	Sep 28th, 2006 07:16:27 PM
I'm so not sure...As in is he really right for it?
Stark is gay. by DonkeyTron	Sep 28th, 2006 07:19:43 PM
Look at that moustache.
This blows me away... by GiggityGoo	Sep 28th, 2006 07:22:15 PM
...but in a good way. I was incredibly terrified that Stark was going to be Ashton Kutcher or some other pre-30 boy-toy type. But this!... Here's an actual ACTOR. Wow. Now I'm REALLY intrigued. I wonder if he'll have the required mustache?...
Frak that sucks by ShatirLavan	Sep 28th, 2006 07:24:51 PM
Jarjar Binks would make a better Iron Man than that drug addict.
perfect by Funk4America	Sep 28th, 2006 07:30:17 PM
he can grow a mustache right?
What the fuck ever... by Nate_Summers	Sep 28th, 2006 07:31:14 PM
You just feel bad(ly) that it wasn't you.
Downey by C_wizard	Sep 28th, 2006 07:35:02 PM
Awesome. I can't wait for this shit now. Best superhero casting since Michael Keaton.
Alky by Spicypeanut	Sep 28th, 2006 07:35:02 PM
A man with documented drug problems and rough years seems to be the perfect fit for Tony Stark who has gone through the same exact thing.
I got goosebumps, literaly by Argentino	Sep 28th, 2006 07:37:18 PM
I never saw this coming, what a perfect choice!
Frak yeah by utfluke	Sep 28th, 2006 07:38:28 PM
That's awesome. An inspired choice, if for no other reason than it's unexpectedness. I am now really looking forward to this movie. Congrats to Fav, and to Downey. All eyes on you.
Hopping on the bandwagon. by CreasyBear	Sep 28th, 2006 07:38:47 PM
I can't think of a better choice. (Are they going to have a scene where Stark wakes up deliriously in some kid's room of a stranger's house?)
Falling off the (band) wagon by Christopher3	Sep 28th, 2006 07:43:21 PM
Perfect choice. Hope it comes in under budget.
Perfect!!! by Satyrgreen	Sep 28th, 2006 07:46:18 PM
I can't remember the last time I felt that a casting choice for a Marvel character was so dead on. My anticipation for this film just shot up 100%.
GENIUS by Eaglet1138	Sep 28th, 2006 07:47:04 PM
I will be there on opening day just on Downey's name. Good job Favs.
YES!!! by Grimjack99	Sep 28th, 2006 07:48:52 PM
Like it or hate it, this is the best news I've heard in a LONG while. Go, Favreau!!
FUCK YEAH!! by Grimjack99	Sep 28th, 2006 07:50:07 PM
Apart from the elections, now there's even more reason to want 2008 to hurry up and GET HERE!!
When he shows up shitfaced they can just shoot by CTU Mole	Sep 28th, 2006 07:50:44 PM
The scenes with him in the mask and use a double.
Downey is PERFECT by Dr. Butthole	Sep 28th, 2006 07:51:19 PM
As soon as I read that, I immediately thought, "YES!" Downey is such a good actor. I've rooted for him since "Chaplin." Great work, Favs! Can't wait to see this one!
Hope it's true. by Red Ned Lynch	Sep 28th, 2006 07:52:45 PM
Great chance for Downey to get back in the game with a role he will do as well as anyone could. It's a twofer.
WOW by ipolo.	Sep 28th, 2006 07:53:20 PM
That is AMAZING! I think Iron Man will be right up there with Begins.
HOLY SHIT! PERFECT...but-- by Bob Cryptonight	Sep 28th, 2006 07:56:45 PM
...they better make sure this doesn't turn into a ROBOCOP imitation! The suit better be cool and sleek!!
I care NOTHING about Iron Man at all... by DanielKurland	Sep 28th, 2006 07:59:09 PM
But I love Robert Downey Jr., and I may actually see this movie now.
the movie casting gods have smiled upon us. by zombieslayer	Sep 28th, 2006 08:00:12 PM
Best casting since Cap'n Jack.
Out of left field... by MonkeyBytes	Sep 28th, 2006 08:01:49 PM
...comes the perfect casting choice. Seriously, has Downey ever been mentioned as a possibility for Iron Man? I thought for sure it would go to Tom Cruise and he would push for a rewrite in which Stark beats his addictions by reading Dianetics and taking purifying saunas and colonics.
Should've been Terrence Howard by Darth Thoth	Sep 28th, 2006 08:03:10 PM
In my opinion.
I thought for sure... by The Dum Guy	Sep 28th, 2006 08:04:05 PM
that they'd go with that Brandon Routh guy, but I guess a former SNL member is just as good.
he's a real good actor by reckni	Sep 28th, 2006 08:06:44 PM
i think they made a great choice. i was seriously fearful when i saw the headline, like someone said above, that it'd be ashton kutcher or some other half-wit bozo that has no business being in a potentially good movie. at least we know he can play alcoholic with ease.
Maybe they can get Tim by Nate_Summers	Sep 28th, 2006 08:07:40 PM
Maybe they can get Tim Meadows for Jim Rhodes...
Best casting since Christian Bale for sure. by DoodlyDingDongTickTock	Sep 28th, 2006 08:08:29 PM
I can't believe they went with Downey. The work he did in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and A Scanner Darkly was nothing short of brilliant. Stark is a genius with a dark history of addiction. Downey is a genius with a dark history of addiction. I hope he beefs up a little bit though. Stark isn't a weakling. I'm really curious what the supporting cast is going to be now. It probably would have gone to Cruise if he hadn't gone all nuts and Paramount hadn't flat out fired him. WOO DOWNEY. I hope he's in the suit too.
not to be fravreu's suckup... by Argentino	Sep 28th, 2006 08:08:36 PM
but I think most of us can agree that this proyect has raised from "DAREDEVIL" level of spectation to at least "X-MEN" level of spectation.
Well...that's interesting by Grendel745	Sep 28th, 2006 08:15:03 PM
Although I was a fan of Iron Man back in the 80s and early 90s I lost touch with the character until his recent appearances in Spiderman and (of course) Civil War. I was mildly intrigued when the movie was announced and became moreso when Favreau was picked to direct it. This casting though will have me there opening night. I love it when people who can actually act are chosen for comic book movies, as opposed to pretty boys or the hot celebs. Of course, the movie could still be bad (Catwoman, Batman and Robin, Aeon Flux all spring to mind) but for now, I'm quite excited.
Better than Tom Cruise,.... by hammett1107	Sep 28th, 2006 08:16:36 PM
.who'd cure his drinking problem with vitamins and would probably shoehorn scientology references into the Iron Man cannon.
FUCK YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH by JeanLuc Dickhard	Sep 28th, 2006 08:20:46 PM
GREAT ACTOR FOR A GREAT PART.....
wow...had to read that a few times by XoanonTORN	Sep 28th, 2006 08:22:37 PM
Did I just read that? Sounds interesting!! Better than TC...certainly... Michael Regina Editor in Chief/Segment Producer http://www.TheOneRing.net http://www.KongisKing.net http://www.TheOneLion.net http://www.whatisthedavincicod e.blogspot.com
come on Dum Guy by Argentino	Sep 28th, 2006 08:26:05 PM
He was an acomplished actor before he joined SNL
I don't get it... by Batutta	Sep 28th, 2006 08:31:06 PM
I like Downey and all, and I'm sure he will be fine, but I don't think he's bullseye casting. Downey's eyes are too open and puppy dog likeable, and I always though there was something brooding and mysterious about Tony Stark, you know, the kind of guy you could be friends with for years and never really get to know. Downey comes across as too much of an open book to me...Of course, I could be wrong.
Robert Downey?! Shoulda been Steve GUTTENBURG. by TomBodet	Sep 28th, 2006 08:32:52 PM
THOSE FIENDS-how dare they-?! Anyhoose. Interesting, Off-kilter choice. I'm impressed. No really.
Any recommendations? by Grayle	Sep 28th, 2006 08:33:30 PM
I haven't seen many of his movies... but in everything i've seen him in, and in all the interviews i've seen him in, he's seemed like one of the blandest actors and persons i've ever seen, and awefully full of himself.... seriously, what am i missing??
Any recommendations? by Grayle	Sep 28th, 2006 08:34:24 PM
I haven't seen many of his movies... but in everything i've seen him in, and in all the interviews i've seen him in, he's seemed like one of the blandest actors and persons i've ever seen, and awefully full of himself.... seriously, what am i missing??
WELL by THE KNIGHT	Sep 28th, 2006 08:35:41 PM
Color me shocked! I'm with it though!
Nice casting! by Riley Martin	Sep 28th, 2006 08:40:09 PM
Tony Stark is addicted to drinking. Robert Downey Jr is addicted to....well, anything he can get his hands on.
Perfect casting. Absolutely perfect. by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 08:50:36 PM
So we need to even speculate on how awesome this will be? Anyone asking for another actor is a douchebag with douche falling out of his mouth as he speaks. Robert Downey, Jr. is 1) a very good actor, 2) Looks the part and 3) do I even need to say it? He's taken "method acting" for this role to a whole new level, ya dig? Bring on Terrence Howard as War Machine and let's have ourselves a real superhero movie. This just classsed up al Marvel movies instantly! Fuck yeah!
To coin a phrase already said....WOW !!..FANTASTIC !! by zathras34	Sep 28th, 2006 08:51:27 PM
This is it !!!...That is the key right there...and marvel has nailed it!!...Robert Downey JR. WOW !!! WHO'S THE VILLIAN?...HAS IT BEEN SAID YET?... I cant think of the names off the top of my head...but a few Billionare badguys from the 80's books come to mind... Way to go marvel !!!
Waitaminute ... AICN broke a story? by chrth	Sep 28th, 2006 08:53:27 PM
I don't believe it for a second. They haven't broken any news in Xenu knows how long.
Andy Dick is the Mandarin by Logo Lou	Sep 28th, 2006 08:55:42 PM
Could happen :P
Awesome by theneonsamurai	Sep 28th, 2006 08:55:48 PM
now where's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 2!
Never would've thought of it by Mechasheeva	Sep 28th, 2006 08:56:43 PM
but it's perfect. But now what I'm wondering is, what else does Favreau have up his sleeves? Bringing on Oscar-caliber actors like Terrance Howard and Downey has me remembering the stellar Batman Begins cast . . . are we going to see an emotionally intense and gritty Iron Man from Favreau, BB style? . . . Man, I hope so. . .
Bukkake Praise! by thenewpulper	Sep 28th, 2006 08:57:32 PM
Watch out, Robert, the white stream of congratulation is signed and in the mail!
Impressive! by rbatty024	Sep 28th, 2006 08:59:51 PM
Picking a well-known face who is not a mega-star, but has had a string of outta tha' park roles -- bravo! Great pick.
Great news! by NeoDevilbaneX	Sep 28th, 2006 09:00:50 PM
Ballsy casting indeed, I can't wait to see what Downey Jr. will turn out. Perfect marriage of character and actor, and I never even considered Downey for the part.
He can get in shape but... by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 09:02:00 PM
He works in a suit! An IRON suite!
errr by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 09:02:13 PM
Iron SUIT!
I just got CHILLS. The good kind. by sevadro	Sep 28th, 2006 09:05:38 PM
What can I say? Bravo. Don't miss a "A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS." Downey is an extraordinary talent.
Holy crap. by Shermdawg	Sep 28th, 2006 09:05:49 PM
Good choice.
Weird Choice, But I Think It's Actually Brilliant by The Ender	Sep 28th, 2006 09:16:12 PM
This will completely change Downey's career. I think if he gets in good shape, and stays rehabbed.....he'll do an awesome job. Cool choice.
sorry, I don't get the excitement by thebearovingian	Sep 28th, 2006 09:18:36 PM
I read it and went, "huh?" Is he gonna be all manic, scatterbrained, twitchy, and constantly muttering like Downey is in every movie?
I love this by Virtual Satyr	Sep 28th, 2006 09:19:43 PM
I am actually excited for this movie now. Downey has been given the bum's rap and I think he's perfect. I am not an Iron Man fan but if Downey is playing him, I will give it a serious look.
THAT'S TOTALLY STUPID!! by jackinitraw	Sep 28th, 2006 09:20:51 PM
Is Tony a burnout ex drinker? Is he supposed to look 20 years older than he actually is? I could knock Robert Downey Jr out with my unit. I would rather see Morton Downey Jr in this role.
Awesome Choice! by Evil Chicken	Sep 28th, 2006 09:21:10 PM
My jaw just dropped after reading his name. Wonderful casting. BTW, "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang" was great.
Amazing. by AngelCordy	Sep 28th, 2006 09:22:41 PM
I'm so souped. What a great idea. Good luck, guys!
Hey macarena! by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 09:24:28 PM
Seacrest out!
And did somebody just say Downey needs to get in shape? by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 09:25:38 PM
He's gonna be in a robo-suit, dog. Those abs ain't gonna show up no matter how cut they are.
I like to choice but... by decfx	Sep 28th, 2006 09:37:01 PM
I don't think Iron Man will be the blockbuster the execs hope it to be. My favorite Marvel Hero is Iron Man and I collected the comic since the 70's but even a great performance by Downey won't help it perform at the box office.
Fantastic by StealthBeagle	Sep 28th, 2006 09:38:54 PM
This is an excellent and inspired choice. For people wondering if Downey can still bring it, check him out in "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." Great call, Mr. Favreau.
Jon Heder, you say...? by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 09:41:17 PM
I wonder if he's free for filming next year... [rubs chin pensively]
How come with all his money........ by Doc_Strange	Sep 28th, 2006 09:43:40 PM
Stark couldn't be Adamantium Man or something stronger than iron? With all that money, shit, he could probably invent the strongest metal of all. Instead however, he opts for iron. Whatta cheapass. In all seriousness though, Downey is a great casting choice. I believe he'll bring another dimension to Stark's inner turmoil, which kind of reflects his own life and struggles. Awesome.
Oh good lord. by Cotton McKnight	Sep 28th, 2006 09:47:16 PM
Why does Hollywood continue to trip over themselves to save this drugged up loser?
That faint noise you hear in the distance is by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 09:47:48 PM
Jon Heder's career fading away. This School of Scoundrels is going to flop, and hopefully people will stop thinking this guy is funny (he's not) and let him go back to working at Sonic's in whatever ass-end town he came from.
JOAQUIN PHOENIX DAMN IT!!! by SkidMarkedUndies	Sep 28th, 2006 09:49:37 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Looks like the postive reaction here is 80% by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 09:49:59 PM
That in itself is a huge accomplishemnt given the wide array of opinions among the TBs.
Stark is not brain-damaged by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 09:51:56 PM
Joaquin Phgoenix plays retards mostly. Stark has to be smart enough to invent cutting-edge technologies.
Odd choice by AlwaysThere	Sep 28th, 2006 09:53:30 PM
I can't imagine this working.
Speaking of Sonic's by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 09:53:40 PM
I ordered a "Hot Fudge Brownie Blast" there a few weeks ago and as those words came out of my mouth, I cracked up laughing like a madman. The guy asked me what I wanted again and I told him and by the time I got to the window to pay, I was crying. "Hot. Brownie. Blast."
Is Iron Man going to get caught blowing a guy? by Baron Karza	Sep 28th, 2006 10:01:09 PM
By Andrew McCarthy?
BSB- you're right by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:01:11 PM
Downeyis not "genius" material, but Phoenix seems so... slow.
My HSX stock in IRON MAN is going up and up and up! by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:03:38 PM
Shit, the internet is great. Imaginary sex. Imaginary stock protfolio. Soon I'll be fake-eating from my computer.
GOOD choice... by El Scorcho	Sep 28th, 2006 10:04:06 PM
Although, by the third film in the series (if there is one), Jr. will be 50 years old. Kinda weird. But a great casting decision. My ticket has just been sold.
congratulations, nerds by Vern	Sep 28th, 2006 10:11:49 PM
I mean that affectionately. I think it's great that for this one day, you all agree on something. Of course, somebody will get all negative any second now but until then, it's nice. I got one question on behalf of the comic strip illiterate. Is Iron Man really supposed to be a whiny sissy? I always heard that name I thought he was supposed to be sort of a cool, tough, non-Robert Downey Jr. sort of character. Because he's fucking made of IRON. Unless the name is supposed to be IRONic. But since it looks like every single one of you loves this casting I must've guess wrong. So congratulations everybody, enjoy.
YackBacker by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 10:15:50 PM
I get that experience whenever the baristas ask me what size coffee I want from Starbucks. I feel like suck a tool saying "grande" instead of "medium."
Y'know... by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 10:20:58 PM
...that's not a bad suggestion ganymede. I can actually more readily picture Howard as Stark than I can Downey Jr.
Ribbons by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:25:43 PM
I once asked for a "muy grande" coffee at Starbucks once-- I got absolutely zero laughter out of the girl at the counter. Serves me right, Dunkin' Donuts is better anyway. Better coffee, less hassle, and hotter latina women.
Woah. HOw did Ribbons; post come before ganymede? by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:27:23 PM
How the tits did that happen?
DOWNEY AS IRON MAN > FLAMES ON OPTIMUS by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:28:54 PM
There, I said it.
There are a couple in my area by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:33:41 PM
I'm in Westchester County, NY. That covers about 30 different Dunkin' locations. Out of those 30 some-odd, I'd say two or three are regularly peopled with cute Mexican girls.
Shit, now I want an iced coffee by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:35:07 PM
And a Mexican lady. Well, first thing in the AM...
Well, like Starbucks Dunkin is a ripoff too by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:40:16 PM
Its a brilliant business model- coffee beans plus hot water = BILLIONS of dollars in revenue per year.
All this talk of sex is making me hungry... by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 10:40:24 PM
Damn you, subliminal advertising...
Good Casting Choice by Dirk Calloway	Sep 28th, 2006 10:42:49 PM
My cat has like 7 titties and I am so alone
HSAF1, remember that Tony Stark = Howard Hughes by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:47:08 PM
Hughes was not exactly the model of brute toughness. He was a troubled, smart, libidious creature. Downey can do it and make it interesting.
I will say... by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 10:47:23 PM
...I thought that 'Elf' and 'Zathura' were pretty well-cast. I also recall hearing Will Ferrell say something about how Favreau sort of pushed him out of his "comfort zone" when directing him, so I have some measure of confidence in Favreau as far as getting the right performer/performance goes. At the same time, I just can't picture Downey as Iron Man at this point. It's not so outrageous a casting decision that I'm offended by it -- maybe partially because I'm not a terribly huge fan of Iron Man to begin with -- but I feel like there's probably someone better out there. Who? Don't ask me for constructive criticism. I guess somebody with more of an Errol Flynn quality, as vague as that sounds. But anyway, I'll be interested in seeing how Downey handles the material. I'll give Favreau this: casting him as the lead in a blockbuster franchise took some chutzpah.
now that's a tale to astonish! by kafka07	Sep 28th, 2006 10:50:05 PM
I was flabbergasted to read the news! Holy cow! I trusted they would pick someone good. But this is just brilliant casting! Whether you like the casting or not, you gotta admit it's damn interesting.
RDJr Is PERFECT for playing the villian Iron Man!!! by DOGSOUP	Sep 28th, 2006 10:52:50 PM
He has the the moral ambiguity down and the darkness to have Tony's self rightous fascism come into the light. Fuck the Civil War, I shouldn't even be able to think this way. THE VILLAIN IRON MAN LIVES ON!!!!
Ribbons, I do agree though that by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 10:53:32 PM
Terrence Howard would have been a great choice. Either way, if Howard plays Rhodey, we'll have a good pair of actors headlining this movie. Now, who to play Mandarin?
Howard and Downey by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 10:54:19 PM
That'd be a pretty cool Dynamic Duo right there. And by Dynamic Duo I mean Tony Stark and Jim Rhodes, not Batman and Robin. Although I would pay to see that too.
i'm not even an iron man fan but damn that is awesome by BLWiseass	Sep 28th, 2006 10:55:42 PM
Downey kicks ass. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was great.
It should have been... by DoctorWho?	Sep 28th, 2006 10:55:50 PM
Pierce Brosnan. He played the drunkard well in Matador. But you know what...Downey is a brilliant choice!
Like Downey, but I'm not excited by dead youngling	Sep 28th, 2006 10:56:02 PM
hate new talkbacks!
Brosnan's face looks like a TWAT!! by Malebolgia	Sep 28th, 2006 10:59:58 PM
hooray for Downey!!
Now I know how the Transformers geeks feel... by googamooga	Sep 28th, 2006 11:00:47 PM
This fucking sucks. Stark is being played by a closet homo. Childhood raped.
This was the first place I went after hearing... by Childe Roland	Sep 28th, 2006 11:02:49 PM
...about this (should've answeredmy cell when it rang and I would've known hours ago), and I'm really impressed by the reaction (well, from everyone but bringing sexy back or whatever his name is). Amazingly open minded for a comic book movie talkback. Downey will own this role. He's perfect for it. And with Howard as Rhodey, this franchise has dramatic legs to rival Batman Begins. Color me psyched.
Looks Good On Paper But I Dunno by Captain Sulu	Sep 28th, 2006 11:09:44 PM
What makes it sound good is if they do the whole Tony Stark alcoholic thing and the baggage Downey brings to it offscreen. But for those who don't follow Downey's offscreen antics, is this goona resonate? I'm not sure I see it. Downey has never really brought charisma to a role, in my own opinion. He's a talented actor, yes. But he doesn't scream Tony Stark or Iron Man to me. Still, an interesting choice and worth seeing the movie just because of it.
I was for Phoenix but.... by moto	Sep 28th, 2006 11:10:42 PM
This is excellent casting. Trust me, Downey will bulk up for the role even though he doesn't need to. He's done it in the past before. He could be a real bad ass. I'm surprised that TBers aren't pissing and moaning more, declaring that their only choice for the role would be CRISPIN GLOVER! No whining in a talkback???? Wow, this is strange. Then again, TBers rejoiced over Snakes on a Plane, and look what happened with that debacle.
I agree Childe by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 11:11:48 PM
I think Favs is gunning for a BATMAN BEGINS-quality movie, one that will be regarded as a "classic" many years later. Now, who's to play the Mandarin?
Crispin Glover, you say...? by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 11:17:39 PM
I wonder if he's free for filming next year... [rubs chin pensively] Also, I hear tell that if we get ENOUGH signatures on our official petition, he will replace Heath Ledger as Joker! C'mon, fanboys! Huzzah!!!!11
Jet Li for The Mandarin? by YackBacker	Sep 28th, 2006 11:29:26 PM
Yuen Woo Ping and Jet Li can put the action together and all Favs has to do is make sure everyone is on the set and in costume.
IRON MAN IMAGE by VanDammit	Sep 28th, 2006 11:32:05 PM
http://i104.photobucket.com/al bums/m176/karbugvw/ironman.jpg -VanDammit!
Wow... by NubtheSquirrel	Sep 28th, 2006 11:33:40 PM
That's some really good fucking casting. Iron Man is simply the exterior, representing what it is that Stark wants to be. In reality, he's human beneath the cold metal exterior. Downy would be perfect for the role because he is able to show the need to be invulnerable with the frailty underneath. Good casting. Damn good casting. I cannot wait to see this movie!
Stark by SanityKaos	Sep 28th, 2006 11:33:43 PM
Wow, Downey JR as Stark Imagine the possibilties What if there was a Civil War movie 10 years from now Mcquire and Downy JR
No, BSB! by Ribbons	Sep 28th, 2006 11:40:50 PM
Don't go chang-in..../ To try to please us..../ We want you just the way you aaaaaare!
great news but.... by ferociousbadger	Sep 28th, 2006 11:41:53 PM
an even better actor for the role would be BRUCE CAMPBELL! yea that's right i went there
Downey is not sexy, old, and short by Johnny Storm	Sep 28th, 2006 11:46:32 PM
Other than that, he's perfect.
sounds cool BUT.. by slder78	Sep 28th, 2006 11:52:20 PM
like i always say, the script has to be good as well. if it sucks then what you've got is Fantastic Four.
Hmmmmmm... by Mr. Winston	Sep 28th, 2006 11:53:41 PM
The more I've thought about this over the past few hours, the more I think I like it. Sure, Downey's 5' 6" or whatever, but so is Tom Cruise...and he's made a few action films I think. And yeah, Downey has played the sissy in a couple of roles, but he also completely owns everything he does. Why can't he be cold and brooding? I think if anyone can transform their normal state into a character it's Downey (Gary Oldman is much the same but is a little too senior to play this role), and not in a manic, psycho-confused Wesley Snipes sort of way. I was in the Billy Crudup camp before...but I think this is going to be good. When it's all said and done, though, I think the commercial potential for this movies relies solely on the first few teaser trailers.
good goddamn by redfist	Sep 28th, 2006 11:53:44 PM
Now I am excited, maybe a comic book movie might have a little drama in it
You know Ferrell as Goulet as Stark woulda ruled. by Shermdawg	Sep 29th, 2006 12:01:16 AM
Yep.
This is such awesome news! by heyscot	Sep 29th, 2006 12:04:20 AM
Downey Jr. is an EXCELLENT actor and I am now extremely pumped up about this movie! Hah! What great news! Can't wait to see how it pans out, because Downey is an actual actor, and if they get a good script, anything's possible. This is about as good as casting gets, folks!
Also, re: The Mandarin by Ribbons	Sep 29th, 2006 12:06:08 AM
I'd heard that the Mandarin was going to be more of a "businessman" type. With a lot of countries fighting over nano- and biotechnologies in order to corner the market on trade in the future, that's actually semi-topical. If I had to guess, I'd say that he's going to try and replicate the Iron Man armor in the movie, therefore making him somewhat less "Fists of Fury"-oriented. Whether the actor they get to play "Mandarin" has a background in martial arts will probably be a non-issue. Then again, who knows (besides for Jon Favreau)?
Sounds like a Michael Keaton-like choice by comedian_x	Sep 29th, 2006 12:14:38 AM
tiny comedic actors playing superheros, IRONic indeed.
Iron Man by mike t.	Sep 29th, 2006 12:26:05 AM
I think AINC is full of shit until I hear it from a mag or another source then Im taking this with a grain of salt.
Donnie Yen by YackBacker	Sep 29th, 2006 12:26:13 AM
BSB, that's a pretty good choice- he's young but he looks right.
Genius casting.... by mattyholmes	Sep 29th, 2006 12:28:53 AM
I love it. But I must say its a hell of a gamble by Paramount. www.obsessedwithfilm.com
This makes total sense. by JustinSane	Sep 29th, 2006 12:29:31 AM
Hooray.
Heh, Donnie Yen is 43? by YackBacker	Sep 29th, 2006 12:29:45 AM
No shit. Ok, he "looks" a lot younger than that, but I guess he's old enough for The Mandarin.
YEAH. by ArtemisClydefrog	Sep 29th, 2006 12:32:31 AM
Okay. 300 will be pretty. Wolverine is still a big question mark. Ghost Rider will be terrible. Spider Man 3 will be serviceable. But this news on the heels of renting Zathura this past weekend, is fucking phenomenal. This outdoes my excitement of Micky Rourke as Marv and Ron Pearlman as Hellboy tenfold. Yikes. Just yikes. This is going to be the movie that will re-excite Hollywood about Marvel, and while some duds are bound to follow, I have total faith in the Comic house's alliance with Paramount now. (Sure, Tom Cruise a major star in a Viacom owned property? Gimme a fucking break.) Now don't you dare fire Brad Grey, Sumner Redstone, you hear me? Don't you DARE... or who gives a fuck. Go ahead. Just let Captain America happen on his watch.
THIS IS THE WORST CHOICE EVER!!!!!!! by J-Dizzle	Sep 29th, 2006 12:34:57 AM
Sorry, it felt wierd not to have a negative, cynical talkback.
Depp by Staldo	Sep 29th, 2006 12:36:14 AM
I know people say Depp for everything these days, but I totally thought ole' sunkencheeks was a shoe-in for Tony Stark.
Robert Downey, Jr knows about the Demon in the Bottle.. by Negative Man	Sep 29th, 2006 12:37:33 AM
...just sayin'. Get a junkie to play a junkie. Like Johnny Depp in BLOW or Val Kilmer in WONDERLAND. But, now they have a star, I guess it will take another 2-10 years to make it to the screen.
comedian_x, I was thinking the same thing... by NoHubris	Sep 29th, 2006 12:38:43 AM
...about the "Keaton-like choice." IMHO it is a very inspired selection.
BTW, IMO this works because of RESTORATION... by NoHubris	Sep 29th, 2006 12:49:03 AM
...which is still my favorite Robert Downey, Jr. movie. Of course he's been great in other films, but I'm partial to the above.
ok 3 words: Chaplin, Singing Detective by oisin5199	Sep 29th, 2006 12:59:42 AM
the boy can brood, so no worries there. I'm really excited by this, as good as Bale for Batman, imo. He's a fantastic actor and will no doubt rule in the suit.
He'll never have his helmet on. by I said good day sir	Sep 29th, 2006 01:05:11 AM
Part of the problem with well known actors playing superheros is if the hero wears a mask or helmet, the actor doesnt want to go through the movie with their face covered. Most modern actors would argue that what's an actor without his face. There may be a few exceptions like Batman & V for Vendetta but I can't see Downey keeping on the helmet for long.
BSB, how was KILL ZONE? by YackBacker	Sep 29th, 2006 01:05:43 AM
Does it live up to the hype?
FUCK FUCKING YEAH by wash	Sep 29th, 2006 01:06:11 AM
Perfect. Now don't fuck it up Downey.
Good Choice by Zombie Vig	Sep 29th, 2006 01:09:48 AM
Good choice Mr. Favreau. First in getting Adi Granov to do production work and now getting someone who fits the role. So, do we get the'Demon in a Bottle'storyline somewhere in the movie?
THAT'S IT, I'M BURNING ALL OF MY IRON MAN COMICS!!!! by moto	Sep 29th, 2006 01:10:55 AM
I'm going to burn every copy of Jon Favreu's movies!!! Even RUDY!!! I'm going to piss on Paramount's doorsteps!! How dare they hire a former druggie to be my Tony Stark!!! Sacreligious! This film is going to suck!!! I won't buy a ticket! I won't see it! Never! Why? Because I know it's going to suck because of this casting and because I saw a picture of Iron Man on the internet that is supposed to be the movie version and it's probably going to be crappy CG and I don't like the eyes on the helmet and I think the red is too red and the yellow is too yellow!!! Fuck Favreau! Fuck Downey! Fuck Paramount! ****************************** Okay, there, now it feels like a true AICN talkback. That felt good. Whoever said it was right, just didn't feel the same without the preconceived pissing and moaning. The universe is now balanced. GREAT CASTING! Can't wait to see what they do with it.
moto, you sick fucknut by YackBacker	Sep 29th, 2006 01:15:29 AM
No more coffee for this guy...
F*ckin Awesome! Way to go FAV! by R.C. the "Wise"	Sep 29th, 2006 01:33:32 AM
Downey Jr. + Terrance Howard + $100 million budget(Jon Fav's direction) = Great comic book film. Should be sensational. Tough luck for Billy Crudup. Should've taken the HULK film. :^P
Future 'Daily Bugle' headline... by IncredibleYoda	Sep 29th, 2006 01:34:27 AM
"Iron Man found drunk and passed out in Franklin Richards' bed."
Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! by Babyshamble	Sep 29th, 2006 01:36:46 AM
The last name I was expecting to see but fuck yeah! Downey Jr is one of my favourite actors of all time and I can't wait for Zodiac and Fur. I thought they weren't gonna go with cruise because he was too old and then they cast someone older. Guess Cruise is officially too mental
awesome casting decision by waggy	Sep 29th, 2006 01:38:17 AM
it's been a while since i've seen a super-hero role cast this on-the-nose. could marvel have their first great non-x/non-spider franchise?
Some points i'd like to make by RickSlamu2	Sep 29th, 2006 01:39:29 AM
First off i had no clue why in the hell they picked Downey untill i read the "method acting' quote from some one elses post. This isn't going to be IRON MAN-as-superhero movie. It's going to be the IRON MAN-AS-BOOZE-ADDLED-JOKE movie. Or whatever substance Downey would like to try to get "INTO" the role. I WILL MAKE A PRIDICTION/BET RIGHT HERE AND NOW AT AICN!!! DOWNEY WILL GO BACT IN TO HEAVY REHAB DURING OR RIGHT AFTER THIS FILL HAS FINISHED SOOHING!!!! As for him looking like Tony, Maby if he was anorexic! (Once again i know my spelling sux, DEAL WITH IT!!!) Now to the less glaring stuff. Downey as a billonare ladies man? Hell Steal James Spader off of BOSTON LEGAL and dye his hair black. I could go on but it's late im tired and thought of Downey getting any pussy that isn't drug ridden and skanky is going to kill any boners i'll have for the next 5 days!!! Night all :) !!!
I just saw Kiss Kiss Bang Bang... by Drworm2002	Sep 29th, 2006 01:42:07 AM
...great fucking movie, adn great fuckign choice.
Man, that is a great fucking choice... by LeiaDown&FuckHer	Sep 29th, 2006 01:44:00 AM
Ballsy too. My interest level in this movie just got raised considerably. I mean I'm an Iron Man fan, but gotta admit I wasn't an optomistic one when it came to the upcoming movie, but damn, this is a hell of a piece of casting. If all their choices are this smart and ballsy then we might really be onto something after all...
Too Old and not attractive enough by DarthScotsman	Sep 29th, 2006 02:13:00 AM
Matthew Fox....Matthew Fox....Godammit!
I don't see it by RighteousBrother	Sep 29th, 2006 02:13:59 AM
Robert Downey Jnr as the suave Tony Stark? Naaaaaah.
The most courageous and out-of-left-field casting by PadewanKlaatu	Sep 29th, 2006 02:25:49 AM
since Hugh Jackman as Wolverine - this will rock . . . now, for the casting of Rhodey . . .
Don't want to jinx it... by NapalmSon	Sep 29th, 2006 02:25:56 AM
But this is the most positive talkback on AICN I've ever read. Usually this place is generally a pit of venomous bile. As a long time lurker, I have to admit I'm very impressed. Same goes for this casting choice. As many others have already said, Bravo. By the way, love the guy three or four spaces above me who admitted his spelling was atrocious and than admonished everyone else to just "deal with it." How about you be the one to deal with it? A remedial English class and a spellchecker might be a good start.
Downey as Jesus by Staldo	Sep 29th, 2006 02:27:07 AM
Is my memory poor, or did Downey appear as Jesus in an ABC miniseries/movie? I can't find it ANYWHERE and I'm pretty positive I've seen it. It was awful and I can understand why he'd strike it from his IMDB credits.
Heres to good actors getting big budget roles by IndustryKiller!	Sep 29th, 2006 02:30:50 AM
Robert Downey Jr has been en fuego lately. Just one fantastic performance after the next. While he may not immediately pop to mind when thinking of Iron Man I think he is more than qualified to play the role and Im a picky mother fucker.
Very Good by LastButNotLeastNinja	Sep 29th, 2006 02:32:32 AM
I think the irony here is great. Remember the whole failed actor portraying a Robocop like character bit in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang? Anyway definately looking forward to this!
Too Soon!! by BeeRock	Sep 29th, 2006 02:41:04 AM
The world is not ready for this yet.
Okay, Yup, I'm There by YND	Sep 29th, 2006 02:43:38 AM
I know Downey's worked pretty consistently even through the dark years, but it was really with KISS KISS BANG BANG and SCANNER DARKLY that I remembered how awesome he is onscreen. The guy just registers in a way that very few contemporary actors do. Suddenly excited in this one. And who knew there were so many other RD Jr. fans out there? Very cool.
Never would have even considered Downey by Lone Fox	Sep 29th, 2006 02:53:04 AM
Great choice
Meh by Call me Kenneth	Sep 29th, 2006 03:12:53 AM
Ed Begley Jr, I can see, but Downey?!
Everyone's oh so fucking smart by deanamatronix	Sep 29th, 2006 03:24:49 AM
taking shots at the guy for troubled past. Fact of the matter is, he's a Hollywood actor, and you're all just a buch of faceless internet losers.
After Johnny Depp, Robert is the BEST!!! by GalactusZ	Sep 29th, 2006 03:26:58 AM
Depp and Downey are the two best actors in America today, great casting choice. Oh, and thank GOD they didn't cast Tom Cruise, THANK GOD!!! One more thing, FUCK Sean Penn too, overrated hack.
Absolutely GENIUS bit of casting by Steve Rogers	Sep 29th, 2006 03:29:25 AM
Best bit of comic book casting work since Christian Bale got in the Batsuit. I hope to Christ this is true because he would be PERFECT. Props to Favreau there.
Un-mitigated disaster! by grey101010	Sep 29th, 2006 03:35:05 AM
This is an un-mitigated disaster! I cant think of anyone worse to play Tony Stark than Robert Downey Junior? WTF was Marvel thinking!?!? When I think of Tony Stark I think machoism, intellect, and a stern back-bone. Do any of us think of any of those things when we think of Robert Downey Junior? The little creep is a 5'9"! Robert Downey Junior, a super-hero? Larger than life? It's incomprehensible. Will they shoot the movie from the inevitable drug-rehab clinic which Downey will eventually end up in? This casting now tells me how much money and energy Marvel is willing to spend on this movie...none. Is this really the first choice the head-honchos at Marvel wanted? I cant imagine the producers at Marvel were sitting around one day, and Robert Downey Junior was the first person who came to their minds. I had high hopes for this movie. Now I know it will be trash.
So what if Downey is only 5' 9"? by GalactusZ	Sep 29th, 2006 03:47:08 AM
Doesn't matter, that's why he has that suit. LOL!
Great great great by peterhengl	Sep 29th, 2006 03:54:23 AM
Downey Jr. is teh cool - I completely agree with everyone. Favs will do it. This could really become a great movie. I'm very positive.
Kickass! by simongarth2001	Sep 29th, 2006 04:04:10 AM
Count me in. Now if they can just get a great script and the suit right. No ultimate style for me. Gotta go classic style suit, then build to something wild. Dont start off with it.
God Bless You, Jon by BirdMcMonster	Sep 29th, 2006 04:32:33 AM
RDJr - Playboy, baby. Right down to the substance abuse. If directing is 70% casting (debatable, but likely), the sky's the limit with this one. I'm paying.
BEST NEWS ON THIS SITE EVER by antonphd	Sep 29th, 2006 05:33:05 AM
The reason everyone is excited about RDJ as Ironman is because 1) he's a the fucking shit and we'll watch him read a phone book 2) it would be a 2nd rate batman movie if they cast a model 3) robert downey jr is real and so is stark and that's why the casting is perfectly inspired. Ironman could so easily be seen as a rediculous Power Rangers/Batman Ripoff/Robocop piece of shit... but they are going a whole other route with it and it's not just going to work but it's going to be amazing. Sure, back before batman was big, i would have cast Tom Selleck as Tony Stark. But today it would just be a ripoff of Batman. They need to make sure that when the suit is off that the person is interesting. THAT is what RDJ brings to Ironman that makes us all cheer! Ironman is only as interesting as the reasons Tony Stark puts on the suit. That's why we need RDJ. Fucking best fucking news since I've read this site all these years!
Of course... Kiss Kiss Bang Bang by antonphd	Sep 29th, 2006 05:37:15 AM
is my favorite movie of all time. so. you know what i feel of Robert Downey Jr. hey, now both him and Val will have played superheros. hehe. poor Val. he got stuck in the one with nipples. lol. oh. i want Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 2 so bad, just to hear the behind the scenes teasing on this subject between those two. lol.
Hey CTU Mole by sopranopants	Sep 29th, 2006 05:46:04 AM
Fuck you. Everyone makes mistakes, and he's tried his best to make up for his. Ever had to cope with alcoholism or drug addiction? No I didn't think so you sanctimonious prick. Now. Downy as Iron Man? Hell yes I can see that, that is inspired casting, the man is a vast reservoir of talent and it's about time he got recognised
I LOVE this casting decision! by brokentusk	Sep 29th, 2006 05:58:04 AM
I never would have even considered Robert Downey to be in consideration for the role. This is probably the smartest and most daring (but perfect) bit of casting I've seen since Christian Bale was cast as Bruce Wayne. I'm not the biggest IRON MAN fan, but I know the character of Tony Stark, and I know that Robert Downey Jnr. is, like Johnny Depp before PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN, an extremely talented actor that hasn't yet been cast in a big event film - I can't wait to see how this turns out. Jon Favreau, you now have my attention.
Well Played by stlfilmwire	Sep 29th, 2006 06:07:44 AM
Good choice. Now don't make the costume look as shitty as the Green Goblin or Doctor Doom masks. It better look so much freaking better than those.
Makes sense... by Anna Valerious	Sep 29th, 2006 06:51:03 AM
Though I still want to see Tony as a hilarious drunk ala "ToyFare".
This has moved from my don't give a toss pile by Lost Prophet	Sep 29th, 2006 07:10:45 AM
into the might see it. I'll watch anything with Downey in it. BringingSexyBack, are you Brokebackcowboy in disguise? you post the same way he used to.
YES! by Ricky Henderson	Sep 29th, 2006 07:22:57 AM
Downey should be great at doing the whole tormented Tony Stark thing. Best casting since they made Charles Heston Moses! :)
The hairs on my arms stood on end... by workshed	Sep 29th, 2006 07:26:10 AM
Could this be the best casting decision all year..? Certainly the most mature one since Bill Bixby was given a shot at David Banner. Nice one Mr.Favreau. You just made a lot of fan-boys very happy. Now go away and don't come back till you have made the best superhero movie in the history of cinema.
It was the multiple short posts and a three word name by Lost Prophet	Sep 29th, 2006 07:38:07 AM
sorry about that. I thought he got banned for some ridiculously offensive anti-zion rant involving goy's, anchorites' sister's arse, how zionists are destroying the world, and bush being a cunt. loads of people seem to have been axed in that TB. Now, if they will only ban zfisk and the shill-shit-sites brigade then it will all be better. and fix the TB, of course.
Downey is a perfect fit! by waites	Sep 29th, 2006 07:43:35 AM
I am jumping up and down about this news. Downey will be so perfect it is mindblowing. And one thing the geeks here need to know.. there are alot of Downey fans who will go see this movie who would never have gone to see this kind of movie. Ok I will confess... I am only seeing this movie because of Downey being in it. And I am sure I am not the only one. The only other casting in the past that comes anywhere near as perfect is Michael Keaton as Batman. That was perfect. He was the awesome. Downey will be in the same class. I cannot believe that the powers to be in Hollywood finally got something right!! AMEN!!!
BringingSexyBack, re: Jim Caviezel by foree forehead	Sep 29th, 2006 07:47:00 AM
i think he'd be better as banner: http://tinyurl.com/rv4qn http://tinyurl.com/lw6c8 what do you think? dalton circa rocketeer WAS tony stark but i'm optimistic about this choice.
Huzzah! by The Cabin Boy	Sep 29th, 2006 08:01:02 AM
Kick ass choice, Favs! Aged, but still youthfull -- I think that was the criteria. And Downey nails it. I agree Terrence Howard would have been cool too, but I think Downey's perfect.
I'm just glad it isn't Tom Cruise by SpyGuy	Sep 29th, 2006 08:05:35 AM
Remember when the Tom Cruise rumors as Iron Man were circulating? Dodged a serious bullet there.
"tom cruise" by foree forehead	Sep 29th, 2006 08:10:39 AM
what a silly name.
Will Elton John be doing the voice when he's in suit? by The Equalizer	Sep 29th, 2006 08:14:52 AM
I want looooove, just a different kind...
Nicely done by ByTor	Sep 29th, 2006 08:19:55 AM
This absolutely works for me. Never would've thought of it in a million years, but as soon as I read the news it just clicked into place. For all of you who disagree...man, if you can't see RDJr playing a somewhat-self-centered playboy type with substance abuse issues, ethics issues, and heart problems then you're just not trying.
DOWNEY JR IRONMAN=NIPPLES ON BATMAN=FLAMES ON OPTIMES by seoulstice	Sep 29th, 2006 08:21:58 AM
lame
RDJr won't be available for WEIRD SCIENCE 2 by durhay	Sep 29th, 2006 08:27:33 AM
anytime soon.
Is this Bizarro Iron Man? by Kirk's Toupee	Sep 29th, 2006 08:27:39 AM
I'm with Vern on this one. What a weird choice. Well as long as he casts Matthew McConaughey as John Carter I don't care what he does with Iron Man.
would they be better off... by foree forehead	Sep 29th, 2006 08:34:28 AM
..having crimson dynamo or obadiah stane as the primary villain and introducing (setting up) mandarin for the 2nd movie?
I like it! by brycemonkey	Sep 29th, 2006 08:35:07 AM
Yeah, he's a good choice. And he has more acting chops than most (I'm looking at you jabberwookie). And if you don't like it? Hey, at least it isn't Nic Cage!
I LOVE IT! by YO MOM'S GOAT	Sep 29th, 2006 08:52:18 AM
I like the casting. And whoever that guy was who posted in the BLACK up there, Tony Stark is not some sniveling sheepish verclempt sorta guy. He's a multi-millionaire industrialist. You don't have success in the world of munitions by being a limp wrist. Yeah, I said it. You read it. Tony Stark's a big enough man he can get a woman pregnant by staring at her.
Great Choice by godzillasushi	Sep 29th, 2006 08:52:31 AM
Verrrry unexpected, but awesome!
Great Choice! by Knobules	Sep 29th, 2006 08:58:32 AM
When I read the news on CNN this morning I was very happy Robert got the role.
Cool by ScottE	Sep 29th, 2006 09:07:22 AM
Took me a second to picture it, but yeah, I think this is a pretty good casting, because Downey can act. Not that we need to see too much acting, the action scenes will be CGI and he'll wear an Iron mask. But Downey could pull off a very different and contemporary Tony Stark. This is at least as cool as Christian Bale as Batman. Real actors as Superheroes, sounds fine with me.
This is genius by stvnhthr	Sep 29th, 2006 09:18:07 AM
Robert will be perfect. He can sell a man fighting addiction with ease. It is awesome to see he can use that troubled part of his life to further his craft.
RDJr is cool! by YO MOM'S GOAT	Sep 29th, 2006 09:21:41 AM
I liked Kiss Kiss Bang Bang especially when he got bang banged by Val Kilmer in the tush in one of the cut scenes in the "extras" session. But he will make a good Iron Man. I love Iron Man. I love it. Love him. Love them. I'm physically infatuated with this decision. Oh, and its too soon because RDJr is a sexy tomboy beanpole with flaming nipples.
This is great news! by parker.ny	Sep 29th, 2006 09:38:15 AM
I never would have thought of casting RDJr in this part, but as soon as I read it I knew this was going to be awesome.
Corporate Casting = Robert Downey Junior by Ringwearer9	Sep 29th, 2006 09:38:25 AM
"Well, those Spider Man movies were big, you know? What nerdy, smirky actor can we get, sort of like Toby McGuire, only a little older? Robert Downey Junior? Cool! Now who can we get to play a whiny nag who looks like Kirsten Dunst?"
The best casting... by Abin Sur	Sep 29th, 2006 09:44:53 AM
Since Dax Shepard in "Zathura!" Oh wait....I mean WTF?? Being drunk does not good casting make...the only way this would be worse is if Bat-Killer Clooney was gonna wear the suit...
Mori, have you read the script? by Turd Furgusen	Sep 29th, 2006 09:53:12 AM
I think this is an excellent choice. The interplay between Howard and Downey could really be something to see, especially in this juicy, geeky setting. I'm just worried that the dialogue could play out a little campy and then we have another Marvel "B" movie. If anyone has a link to the script, I'll be your best friend. I'll even give you my desert from lunch for a week. I'll give you copies of all my notes Biology class too.
Is Iron Man even that frakkin' popular?! by Mr. Nice Gaius	Sep 29th, 2006 09:55:34 AM
Don't get me wrong, I love RDJr. and I think this is a bit of inspired casting. It reminds me of the approach to "Batman Begins" and how the casting reports generated a lot of positive pre-buzz. Well, for RDJr.'s sake, lets hope the first film is good enough to warrant the assumed sequals.
Downey as Iron Man by blackwood	Sep 29th, 2006 10:00:54 AM
kind reminds me of Keaton as Batman - not what you'd expect, better than you could hope. Beware, geeks: Favs is stock his flick with ACTORS!
Best casting since... by chrisd	Sep 29th, 2006 10:07:21 AM
Shaq as Steel.
Wanted Viggo Mortenson by Trevor Goodchild	Sep 29th, 2006 10:07:55 AM
but this is better.
i think it's a good choice by newc0253	Sep 29th, 2006 10:08:18 AM
mori's right: downey's a great actor. and who cares what he looks like? if the movie's any good, he'll spend most of his time behind a frickin mask.
Downey was brilliant in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang by moviemaniac-7	Sep 29th, 2006 10:17:03 AM
One of the most underrated movies of past years.
ooooh by macgruder	Sep 29th, 2006 10:21:15 AM
this is going to be so good!
absolutely neat-O by Captain Vidal	Sep 29th, 2006 10:22:11 AM
great casting job by the folks at marvel and its director. downey is perfect for the role. can't wait to see what type of supporting cast they put around him.
But Will Robert Downey Jr. Grow a Mustache? by jazzbox2	Sep 29th, 2006 10:23:28 AM
...and if so, how will it look? Will it be, umm, downy?
Well, at least the alcoholism research is outta the way by Cletus Van Damme	Sep 29th, 2006 10:25:55 AM
Next they'll cast John Ritter as Deadman.
PERFECT - i can see the angst and the moustache! by Spacesheik	Sep 29th, 2006 10:26:11 AM
downey will be great - damn ballsy onconventional choice and a hell of an actor i can see him as a mid aged moustachious tycoon with an alcohol problem
RDJ Fear Sobriety by Monstar	Sep 29th, 2006 10:39:45 AM
Somwhere in a darkened room Affleck lets out a chuckle
TOO SOON! by StarBlitzer	Sep 29th, 2006 10:55:45 AM
NOW this feels like an official TB!! ^_^
TOO LATE!! by StarBlitzer	Sep 29th, 2006 10:56:14 AM
BeeRock beat me to it; disaster averted.
Best thing about this news... by Arch_Stanton	Sep 29th, 2006 11:03:04 AM
... they didn't hire some Gen-X'er. Downey has some mileage on him. He's a legit adult. Shocking.
Downey is a good choice. Interesting. by Orbots Commander	Sep 29th, 2006 11:03:43 AM
Mel Gibson or Tom Cruise would have been great too and may even have been cast, but at this point I guess they'd have huge salary demands along with their own requisite baggage. Favreu probably chose Downey not only for his acting skills but also because he won't be demanding a $20 Million Dollar salary off the bat. It's a Tobey Maguire type choice.
You know what would be hilarious? by Mr. Nice Gaius	Sep 29th, 2006 11:05:13 AM
If RDJr. pulled off that little dance he does in the mall scene from "Weird Science" while wearing the Iron Man suit. That would be the ultimate tip-of-the-hate to Geekdom. *** Ian: This party's lame, Max! Max: What about the girls? Ian: Girls, shmirls!
WHAT!? by alienindisguise	Sep 29th, 2006 11:05:46 AM
Robert Downey Jr. with Starks pencil thin gay 'stache...oh the horror!!!!!
Jon Favreau raped my childhood! by Spinocus	Sep 29th, 2006 11:06:48 AM
While Robert Downey Jr. held me down... Wow, what an unbelievably bad casting decision. Ok, first let me say that I truly believe Robert Downey Jr. can effectively portray a tortured man whose life has been deeply affected by substance addiction. After all, RD Jr has been playing that role throughout his entire CAREER. RD JR also seems to have a penchance for playing manic homosexuals but I'm getting off topic... My biggest problem is with RD Jr's ability to portray the man that is Tony Stark. You know, the Tony Stark who braved the jungles of Vietnam to lend his talents to the US war effort against communist hegemony. Yes THAT Tony Stark, the strapping self-made billionaire industrialist and playboy with a face reminiscent of Hollywood's leading men of yesteryear? I simply do not see RD Jr playing a man's man who seeks to defeat the demons of his past from within the confines of a futuristic suit of armor that effectively transforms him into a modern day 'knight in shining armor'. When I think of Tony Stark I think of someone who has the appearance of a young Sean Connery, Errol Flynn or Clark Gable, not some dweeby, shifty eyed freak. It's clear Downey Jr was cast because they're going to seriously play up Stark's substance addiction, oh joy. However, just because a man is an alcoholic doesn't mean he has to resemble a bubbling, effeminate, manic, here-let-me-help-you-with-that -reach-around type of wuss, an archetype RD Jr is so frighteningly good at playing. Sure, Michael Keaton pulled off Batman but it's not as if he didn't have the tools to do the job. Piercing stare, check. Stoic or scowling expression, check. Stern, gruff voice, check. 'Don't f--k with me you criminally insane punk' attitude, check. Keaton had everything needed to play Bruce Wayne except for the healthy hairline and the stature and that was easily compensated for with make-up, wardrobe, camera angles and clever staging. On the other hand Robert Downey Jr. has none of the physical or vocal qualities needed to play Tony Stark. RD Jr. is the furthest thing from a super hero I can think of. Way to go Marvel, rip my favorite super hero a new one so large you could fire a repulsor through it and not hit the sides. If Favreau and Downey Jr. is the best Hollyweird can do for good old shellhead then let this poor hero forever remain in print and animated form. But hey, what do I know? Fantastic Four was a poorly cast and written piece of excrement that did shockingly well at the box office so maybe Favreau's Iron Man has a shot after all. Oh wait, FF was released when there was NOTHING in the theaters that appealed to teenagers and twenty-something geeks. FF succeeded by default, NOT because of the merits of its content. For Warner Bros. sake I hope they have Iron Man lined up for a quirky Fall or Spring release because it will be destroyed during the usual avalanche of Summer and Winter releases. Mark my words, Favreau's Iron Man is going to bomb like Little Boy before a fish head and rice breakfast.
They should've cast... by alienindisguise	Sep 29th, 2006 11:07:14 AM
Tom Selleck...Magnum PI all the way!
Just as long as... by StarBlitzer	Sep 29th, 2006 11:15:42 AM
the score includes the title song from the second cartoon: "I AM...I AM IRON MAN...I AM I-YEEERN MAN!!!" ^_^ Don't let me down, Favs! AND FORTIETH!
Haters, go find a CASINO ROYALE TB instead by YackBacker	Sep 29th, 2006 11:24:32 AM
Your so-called anger at RDJr. being cast is phony. I doubt seriously the majority of you have read the comics at length anyway. All you're arguing over is facial hair.
It's always smart to start with a good actor by Garbageman33	Sep 29th, 2006 11:27:20 AM
You can figure out the rest later. Bulk him up. Slim him down. Whatever. But you can't make Matthew Fox more brooding. You can't make Wes Bentley more expressive. I think too often they start with the look and it's not until later that they figure out if the person can actually pull off the other part. You know, the acting and stuff.
So IRON MAN slept with SPIDER-MAN?! by skycrapper	Sep 29th, 2006 11:39:18 AM
Go rent Wonderboys you'll see...
Wow by Ribbons	Sep 29th, 2006 11:41:35 AM
It's been said already, but I'm totally freaking out at how overwhelmingly positive and amicable this TalkBack has been so far. It's like I stumbled into some sort of Bizarro TalkBack, where most of the posts are reasonable and optimistic. What's going on?!?! But it's pretty cool, so keep up the good work, TalkBack dudes. Hooray Exchange of Ideas!!!
to those that are talking about the facial hair look by JeanLuc Dickhard	Sep 29th, 2006 11:42:55 AM
http://tinyurl.com/plnaw atleast he can grow it ... no matter what ... the movie has been elevated more than ever before ...long live iron man
tony stark + bobbi fleckman?! by foree forehead	Sep 29th, 2006 11:51:01 AM
holy shit bsb, but you're right: http://tinyurl.com/zta9d that's tony stark right there alright. p.s. are they gonna have ghost face killah on the soundtrack? they'd better...
Now Mandarin suggestions: by Orbots Commander	Sep 29th, 2006 12:00:28 PM
Ken Watanabe or Chow Yun Fat. Both are mainstream Hollywood actors at this point and familiar to general audiences, so I suspect that one of WILL likely get cast. Since Chow Yun Fat is currently shooting POTC 3, he may have the most 'heat' or 'buzz' at the moment so it may be him.
Best... Casting... Ever by Chief Redcock	Sep 29th, 2006 12:09:27 PM
This movie has instantly become a must see.
almost by Imawheel234	Sep 29th, 2006 12:11:44 PM
I read this right when I woke up and though it said Harry Connick Jr. This is much better.
Mr. Nice Gaius by Turd Furgusen	Sep 29th, 2006 12:13:38 PM
We need RDJ to do this scene too. http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=E9ScHbq4Qb0 "What you mean, on the telephone?!" That has Tony Stark written all over it. ;)
Prediction by teammember8	Sep 29th, 2006 12:15:59 PM
I won't get too excited. They'll probably have Downey handing the (or a) suit over to Will Smith sometime in the middle of part two. They'll fight the villain(s) budd-cop style, Iron Downey will be killed and Iron Smith will vow to avenge him in part 3.
BSB suggested Donnie Yen and I agree by YackBacker	Sep 29th, 2006 12:17:21 PM
Chow is too... nice and Watanabe is Japanese. A guy like Donnie Yen is perfect- go look him up if you don't know who I'm talking about.
perfect by sokitome	Sep 29th, 2006 12:18:42 PM
iron man is not superman or batman...he's an alcaholic egomaniac. someone earlier said iron man was "stern backbone" type...well not really. He's a rich dude with issues but unlike bruce wayne is not the always self assured type. This is PERFECT casting.
Terrence Howard is a better choice...but Downey's great by Experiment 626	Sep 29th, 2006 12:20:01 PM
Hey, as long as they have a strong ACTOR, I'm fine with that. It's a tough role to pinpoint, and it needs to be someone edgy...Downey's an excellent actor, and he truly has some dark insights that will be signifigant to the Stark role. Nice call. Terrence Howard would have been so SLICK, tho...
Aaaaahhhh... by Bruce Leroy	Sep 29th, 2006 12:25:15 PM
Inspired casting. I'm officially exited about Ironman now. Robert Downey Jr. is one hell an of an actor! Excellent!
Tony Stark isn't an egomaniac by YO MOM'S GOAT	Sep 29th, 2006 12:42:12 PM
Will someone please read a comicbook pre-Civil Bore? Iron Man is NOT an egomaniac. Tony Stark is NOT an egomaniac. He's not even so much a playboy. Sure, he's got some women, but he's not anything like Bruce Wayne's public persona. Wayne's persona is of a frat boy. Stark's is of a successful CEO of a multi-national munitions / engineering corporation. He's one of the most RESPECTED men in the Marvel Universe. Captain America RESPECTS AND LOOKS UP TO AND RELIES ON him. How many men does Captain America RESPECT and LOOK UP TO AND RELY ON? This is the worst part about Marvel under Quesada. Loved his work in Iron Man's own title at the start of volume 3 but when he left that to takeover as EIC Marvel turned into crap. Pure crap. Iron Man is a good guy. Gosh darn. I hate you all.
Howard would've been better. This is disappointing. by superninja	Sep 29th, 2006 12:49:20 PM
Downey is NOT a great choice. Sure, he is a fine actor, and very good at playing characters who are on their way down. But Tony Stark is a Gatsby-type character who has a crisis of conscience and still retains that overall persona. Downey is too old for the part, mousey, not to mention SHORT, and has no real physical presence. Downey can play the Whizzer or the Porcupine. That would be a better choice. :) This kind of sounds like a joke because AICN needs some hits on its page.
This scoop would be much cooler by The Funketeer	Sep 29th, 2006 12:53:17 PM
This school would be much cooler if we had a picture of the car the Tony Stark will drive in the movie. Or a picture of the craft services truck or something.
Turd Furgusen by Mr. Nice Gaius	Sep 29th, 2006 12:53:22 PM
It's such a classic film. That little dance he does in the mall when the 2 girls aren't looking cracks me up everytime. And let's not forget this classic line: "Do you realize it's snowing in my room, Goddammit???!!!"
Goat, Tony was/is an egomaniac. by superninja	Sep 29th, 2006 12:56:13 PM
I haven't been reading Civil Bore, but I will take your word that they've played Tony all wrong just to get their "point" across (it's the Nu Marvel way!). However, Tony was/is an egomaniac in my mind. Egomaniacs can still do a lot of good. Tony was always pushing others but hiding personal problems and trying to retain his identity as Iron Man at all costs.
Have you people even seen a Robert Downey Jr movie? by Ricky Henderson	Sep 29th, 2006 12:59:59 PM
He's perfect for this role. Favreau is definitely trying to establish a good franchise. So far this sounds a lot like Batman Begins. I'm being totally serious. This next statement? Not so much: GEORGE TAKEI for Mandarin!
Iron Man as Po-Mo by superninja	Sep 29th, 2006 01:03:23 PM
Downey is childlike and emotionally fragile. That is not Stark, I don't care how good of an actor he is. Stark is the overconfident type who things come easily who who takes a fall and engages in some self-examination. He has a strong sense of personal identity and responsibility that pulls him through. Downey plays people who spiral down into decline, because, well, he's familiar with it. In fact, this seems to be sort of mining Downey's own past to make the audience sympathize with the character. Really, kind of trite.
Now if we could just get a little more info on Cap. by Shermdawg	Sep 29th, 2006 01:03:42 PM
I'm guessin' though, we won't hear anything until Indy 4 comes out ;)
I'm betting that dollars to donuts that Mandarin by Orbots Commander	Sep 29th, 2006 01:15:05 PM
won't be Donnie Yen. I can't see Favreau picking him for a large mainstream villain part, and remember, somebody who will be able to stand his opposite both good actors, Robert Downey Jr. and Terrance Howard, without getting figuratively shoved off the screen. Because of Downey and Howard, the villain now needs to be an acting heavyweight as well.
Good, unexpected choice, now for the ARMOR by John Dalmas	Sep 29th, 2006 01:16:06 PM
I really, really hope the armor is the red and gold 'shellhead' from the 70s and 80s-- no Manga/Transformer style retooling-- make it the classic iconic Iron Man suit.
Who knew Iron Man is really Elton John? by Snookeroo	Sep 29th, 2006 01:24:41 PM
check it out: http://tinyurl.com/frouf
Once again Jar Jar 4 Pussy... by Mr. Nice Gaius	Sep 29th, 2006 01:26:17 PM
...I don't know what you're talking about. But since you seem to be so keen on calling me a "nazi" and a sucker of various cocks, you leave me no choice but to own you for the rest of your TB life. Good job, fuck-o.
GEORGE TAKEI for Mandarin! by The Dum Guy	Sep 29th, 2006 01:26:43 PM
Stark : "Mandarin! It was you the whole time!" Mandarin: "Yeesss." Stark: "Why are grabbing my iron hard ass?"
Flames on the Armor? by Ricky Henderson	Sep 29th, 2006 01:27:44 PM
That would be ok with everyone here, right?
Hey "Dum Guy," if you're gonna steal my jokes... by Ricky Henderson	Sep 29th, 2006 01:31:35 PM
...you're better off picking one that I didn't just post 4 comments ago. Just a suggestion. I and I alone lay sole claim to "GEORGE TAKEI FOR MANDARIN!"
Yeah, this guy has Tony Stark written all over him. by superninja	Sep 29th, 2006 01:35:34 PM
http://www.imdb.com/gallery/gr anitz/4970/Events/4970/RobertD own_Kambo_9161305_400.jpg?path =pgallery&path_key=Downey%20Jr .,%20Robert Not.
In the tradition of casting Emo men as superheroes by superninja	Sep 29th, 2006 01:38:54 PM
Maybe Jude Law can play a kinder, gentler, Captain America? "Oh, you evil Nazi, you just need a hug!"
Ricky Henderson by The Dum Guy	Sep 29th, 2006 01:46:46 PM
I never said I was joking, just agreeing with you, and if you think calling dibs on a joke will give you some sense of self worth, then go for it.
Shitty. Downey Jr is a mugging, overacting, overrated.. by IAmJack'sUserID	Sep 29th, 2006 01:47:29 PM
actor. Wow, wonder if he'll be able to wiggle his face and act haltingly in that iron suit.
some of you seem to have missed the concept of acting by oisin5199	Sep 29th, 2006 01:48:35 PM
Robert Downey will not be playing himself. He will be playing a role. He's a good actor, so I'm sure he can be bad ass and smart as well as tortured. According to Tv guide, he worked out and grew a goatee to convince Favreau that he could pull off the look. His acting will do the rest. Excellent choice.
ATTN: Fellow TalkBackers by Mr. Nice Gaius	Sep 29th, 2006 01:49:21 PM
I implore you to keep on eye on Jar Jar 4 Prez. This little imp has taken to calling me a "nazi" in various TBs because I may have hurt his poor little feelings in some other random discussion. As I'm sure some of you veterans will agree, Jar Jar 4 Pussy is one whiny little bitch and a miserable excuse for a TB handle. So, I thought it best to bring this to your attention with the hope that you will witness his vain attempts at "getting my red up". Are you ready to testify? I also thought it was in your best interest to know that he sucks Ann Coulter's cock. That's right. Ann Coulter has a cock. And Jar Jar 4 Pussy sucks it.
YO MOM'S GOAT: Get real by ByTor	Sep 29th, 2006 01:49:41 PM
Before you ask if anyone has read the comic, and tell them to try reading before some current lame-o storyline, perhaps you should try reading some from before, say, 1995. Stark has traditionally had quite the ego.
THEY MUST USE THIS IRON MAN ARMOR!!!! by TheResident	Sep 29th, 2006 01:50:35 PM
watch this IRON MAN figure, can definetly see robert in here! http://tinyurl.com/qlkcw if they can nail this Iron Man armor on film im gonna wet myself
Fair enough, Dum Guy by Ricky Henderson	Sep 29th, 2006 02:00:24 PM
You're right Dum Guy, there's no need for a territorial dispute over a joke. You can have the joke monday through thursdays and I'll get the joke fridays and weekends. Deal?
but, Ricky by The Dum Guy	Sep 29th, 2006 02:01:25 PM
what about holidays?
Dum Guy, re:Holidays by Ricky Henderson	Sep 29th, 2006 02:12:23 PM
I get the joke on the federal holidays, you get it on religious holidays. Custody on overlapping holidays shall be determined by a naked wrestling match. Sound good?
This won't make it to a second or third film by ejcarter9	Sep 29th, 2006 02:16:07 PM
Iron Man just doesn't have the audience that Spiderman and the X-Men have. This is going to be another Daredevil (which wasn't too bad, really). It's going to take a HELL of an interesting movie, like Blade 1 was, to keep a franchise going.
How many times will..... by ImJustABill	Sep 29th, 2006 02:19:06 PM
Production be put on hold due to him going in and out of rehab????
sure, but by The Dum Guy	Sep 29th, 2006 02:19:41 PM
I claim any Chinese holidays, like New Years (and I'll also take Jewish holidays).
Fine fine fine.... you can have the Jewish holidays by Ricky Henderson	Sep 29th, 2006 02:22:42 PM
Even though Judaism is more of a neurosis than a belief system (I'm half a jew so I can get away with saying that). Anyway, Dum Guy, Rosh Hashanah doesn't officially begin until sundown (I'm on the east coast) so technically, the joke is mine for roughly 3 more hours. GEORGE TAKEI FOR MANDARIN!!!
GEORGE TAKEI FOR MANDARIN! by Ricky Henderson	Sep 29th, 2006 02:27:46 PM
...and happy Rosh Hashanah!
Yeah, but you know there's going to be... by ejcarter9	Sep 29th, 2006 02:32:25 PM
... the finale where he's in his armor but the helmet's all busted up or whatnot so we get to see his angry, brooding face. Or he has to take it off to see something because he doesn't believe it, or who the hell knows, but the mask/helmet WILL be off at the end, you wait.
When I saw The Shaggy Dog by Quin the Eskimo	Sep 29th, 2006 02:42:56 PM
I thought, damn that Robert Downey Jr. should be Iron Man. I think it'll make an interesting movie, which is more then I can say about 90% of the movies coming out. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but won't Terrence Howard's character take over the suit someday, and If either one of those characters delivers the opening di

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AICN EXCLUSIVE!! IRON MAN Has Found Its Tony Stark!!