Iron Man pic, article in USA Today

[the reel chris]

EDIT: Thanks to Spideristic for linking to a larger version (http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=11577380&postcount=58)... makes my Desktop happy :up:

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/5148/18959dd9.jpg

Original:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-04-26-iron-man_N.htm

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9477/ironmanxlargebz6.jpg
First look: Downey forges a bond with 'Iron Man' role

By Scott Bowles, USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES — Robert Downey Jr. is hardly the obvious choice to play an iconic crime fighter.

After all, this is the guy who became a poster boy for Hollywood excess, serving a year in prison on drug and alcohol-related charges and checking in and out of rehab like it was the Four Seasons.

But it is exactly that past, says director Jon Favreau (Elf), that makes Downey the only choice to play playboy millionaire and recovering alcoholic Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, the comic-book superhero who hits multiplexes next year.

"We didn't want to just go with a safe choice," Favreau says from the set of the film, due in theaters May 2, 2008. "The best and worst moments of Robert's life have been in the public eye. He had to find an inner balance to overcome obstacles that went far beyond his career. That's Tony Stark. Robert brings a depth that goes beyond a comic-book character who is having trouble in high school, or can't get the girl. Plus, he's simply one of the best actors around."

For his part, Downey is trying to become an iron man. At 42, he lifts
weights five days a week and practices martial arts to get in shape to play the hard-bodied Stark, an arms manufacturer who uses his ultimate weapon, a jet-powered, missile-launching suit of armor, to fight evil.

More important, Downey says, he's been working on his emotional stamina since coming out of rehab in 2002. His supporting roles in Good Night, and Good Luck and Zodiac have earned critical raves.

And anchoring a big-budget summer film such as Iron Man could go a long way toward cementing that return.

"I'm more diligent than I used to be," Downey says. "I want to show Jon he was right to have faith in me. Whatever questions might have arisen about my life weren't issues with him."

Nor with many fans, says Rob Morley of Comics2Film.com.

"Fans need the heart of the comic to be in" the movie, he says. "Tony Stark had a substance abuse problem. He was built up and torn down many times. I think when people heard Robert Downey was going to play the part, there was actually a big relief."

Downey knows a thing or two about comics, and he can get downright geeky when discussing them. He prefers Marvel to D.C. comics. He liked Iron Man, "but mainly through his appearance with Avengers." His favorite early heroes, he says, were the relatively obscure Sgt. Rock and Sgt. Fury.

It wasn't until Downey matured that he came to appreciate the man in the iron suit.

"He struggles with his lifestyle, he struggles with the drinking," Downey says of Stark. "He faces the same issues a lot of people do."


Credit the fabulous Judy on the MySpace group

[Tissues]

That pic looks totally cool! Looks a lot like Tony and he's in pretty good shape. And his heart thing looks awesome.

[Duneboy]

image looks good but will :huh: the film be any good?

[BareKnucklez]

Robert Downey Jr is such a good actor... Im sure he will be fantastic as IRON MAN!

[odiin]

Dayum! He filled out nicely for this role. I want a wallpaper version of that.

[Saint]

That image is too cool for words; wish it was high res so I could use it as wallpaper.

[Spade]

That pic looks utterly awesome. The film seems to have taken an interesting take on his heart issue, and seeing Downey's Stark in the midst of forging the classic armor makes me want to see this movie all the more. I get the feeling Favreau is going to show a lot of other productions how good work goes a long way to adapting any character regardless of popularity.

[Michael Myers]

Robert Downey Jr is such a good actor... Im sure he will be fantastic as IRON MAN!
I wholeheartedly agree. :up:

[Katsuro]

Damn! That looks awesome!

I swear, it's just more and more good news for this movie every time. Amazing cast, great pictures, and the direction in general seems to be spot-on. This movie is gonna kick all kinds of ass.

[JAMAL]

He looks great in the role. You can't go wrong with Downey in this role.
He always becomes his characters. We are truly lucky to have him play Tony Stark/Ironman. Just like we're lucky to get Ed Norton as Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Can't wait for that, too.
We are living in such a great era of movies. Not only are we getting to see superhero movies but we're getting to see great actors in the roles.
Unreal.

[the reel chris]

This production is pretty much blessed from the ground up. It's a good article too; as the general population is starting to realize that the summer movie machine is warming up, Marvel is trying to build awareness for what's to come Summer 2008. People will know that, while Spidey and X-Men 4s are question marks, Marvel giving them something even better to look forward to :woot:

[Superman4ever]

That's kick-ass. Too cool for words actually!

[tzarinna]

Looks like it's coming together nicely.
Downey is aging well. :up:

[cosmicherosa]

Everyone involved with this movie is a great actor. I can't wait. I hope this will be the series that takes over as the dominate Marvel movie series after Spider-man is through.

[Sun_Down]

Damn! That looks awesome!

I swear, it's just more and more good news for this movie every time. Amazing cast, great pictures, and the direction in general seems to be spot-on. This movie is gonna kick all kinds of ass.

I agree. I was VERY skeptical about this thing, but it really looks like Marvel's stepping things up.

[batman44]

Awesome pic:up:

[Casius--J]

Great picture, downy's looking good as stark, hope he does well in the role!

[Grinder]

Very nice. My interest in this project continues to rise every time I read something new about it. Seems like Marvel know what they're doing.

[Sam Spade (V)]

He looks amazing as Stark! He had to be the only choice to play a man with a dark past and fighting inner demons! Downey is the best bit of superhero casting since Bale Damnit!

[Mauser9910]

Excellent stuff ! I still have my fingers crossed the final armor will look as good as everything seen so far. :)

[Nokio]

Wasn't sold on Jr looks wise, but that pic is very Stark like.

[combocaz]

robert downey jr as IRONMAN??

i think im gonna hurl :P

Suit looks gay.

[Fried Gold]

robert downey jr as IRONMAN??

i think im gonna hurl :P

Suit looks gay.lol

Seriously though, this looks like the movie that will get Marvel back on track with it's cinema releases. X3 and Ghost Rider were okay at best, and FF2 looks as though it's gonna miss the mark by a million miles.

[Soulgem]

robert downey jr IS IRONMAN!!
fixed.
Suit looks gay.
lol

and..
DAAAMN that was a cool pic! Look at him forging his own armor! oh ooh.. oh i came.

[Hunter Rider]

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-04-26-iron-man_N.htm

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9477/ironmanxlargebz6.jpg


Credit the fabulous Judy on the MySpace group

Badass:up:

[ROBOCOP CPU001]

You just know he will ****ing kick ass in this role..downy jr is a great actor.

very intense look on his face.

[Ironfan72]

That is a awesome pic, RDJ looks just like Tony, I'm very impressed with the quality of the movie thus far.

[Darknightnomis]

I'm REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, IMPRESSED! :yay:

That's Tony stark in the flesh my friends.

[FlawlessVictory]

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-04-26-iron-man_N.htm

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9477/ironmanxlargebz6.jpg


Credit the fabulous Judy on the MySpace group

How'd he manage to get such a streamlined and compact heart thingy while in captivity? I thought his initial heart thing was supposed to be bigger and bulkier and then once he escapes and gets back home he modifies it.

[Mysterio]

perfect casting. Downey is awesome.

[chamber-music]

Downey rocks. This movies gonna make haters eat their words.

[The Squirrel]

Great picture!

I can't wait for this movie!

[jrd550]

Why is his heart gadget visable through the shirt? whouldn't it be underneath? does anyone have any comic book scans?

[blind_fury]

Why is his heart gadget visable through the shirt? whouldn't it be underneath? does anyone have any comic book scans?

Maybe he wants it in plain view to make sure it's working.

If the lights blink it would mean there's a problem and he could die.

[Zigno]

looks good for now

[Docker2.0]

Why is his heart gadget visable through the shirt? whouldn't it be underneath? does anyone have any comic book scans?

I guess we'll find out when the movie comes out. PLEASE don't start nitpicking about things with the movie. It's good so far and........well...........you know how fanboys get. :dry:

[tdeverea]

Why is his heart gadget visable through the shirt? whouldn't it be underneath? does anyone have any comic book scans?


i imagine it's because he didn't want the iron directly contacting his skin so he made a hole in his wife-beater (muscle shirt). :huh: i don't know.

[Brian Braddock]

That's Tony Stark all right.

My outlook and hopes for this movie just keep increasing by the day.

Now I'm practically salivating in anticipation for a pic of the red and gold armor. Hell, even a glimpse.

Can't wait.

[odiin]

Why is his heart gadget visable through the shirt? whouldn't it be underneath? does anyone have any comic book scans?

Obviously, to call to mind the similar circle on the Iron-Man suit. It's a cool spin, I think.

[amazingfantasy15]

That pic looks awesome, this seems to be shaping up as the next great Marvel franchise. Hopefully we'll get a teaser with FF2. I'm glad it's Paramount, not Fox as the studio.

[BobJM]

Looks amazing, but one quick question....

Why can you see Iron Man's heart thing in front of his shirt? Shouldn't it be under?

[Golgo-13]

Downey looks just like Starks! :up:

[ayaueto]

looks to me like it's shining though my shirt??
not sure

[Cinemaman]

Jeez, that's one of the best pics so far!!! It really gives a look of more serious movie than I expected it to be :eek: :up:

[the reel chris]

Why is his heart gadget visable through the shirt? whouldn't it be underneath? does anyone have any comic book scans?

Hell of an icebreaker at parties. "I noticed you were staring at my chest."

Well, works for women.

LOL @ stock2mal. 'Und now ve are looking at ze left ventricle, und ve move on *c-klick* to ze right ventricle...'

[Prognosticator]

Cool pic! Decent write up. I hope Marvel gets over the hump of lackluster movies centering on a singular hero; i.e., Electra, Ghostrider, etc... :up:

[AdWolF16]

looks to me like it's shining though my shirt??
not sure

ooh great call, i think it is under his shirt but shining through

[vanillacyke]

This is my most anticipated film for 08. Downy Jr. Looks like such a badass!!!!

[Eddie Dean]

Downey looks great!

[Araneae]

I gotta say, Downey really looks the part in that pic. Possibly more so than any other Marvel film, I'm impressed. Now all we need is a glimpse of the red and gold suit.

[fu manchu]

Awesome photo of RDJ! He looks great as stark!!:up: :up: :up:

[ObakeTora]

Best casting choice ever! Downey couldnt be any luckier if ever he's doubted his popularity due to his past, he should feel better because after this movie he will always be known as Tony Stark.


And I wanted Tom Selleck, silly me...

[Nightwing]

Great picture. Downey definitely looks good.

[bunk]

Who's basement is he in you think? At least he has a cot!

[Ironman24]

Awesome pic, Robert was definently the right choice to play Tony Stark.

[jrd550]

I guess we'll find out when the movie comes out. PLEASE don't start nitpicking about things with the movie. It's good so far and........well...........you know how fanboys get. :dry:
Well I'm not nitpicking really, just curious... and I think everything looks AMAZING so far...

[Spideristic]

Larger Pic
http://www.empireonline.com/gallery/image.asp?id=18959&caption=&gallery=Iron%20Man%20First%20Look

[the reel chris]

http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=20656


http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/5148/18959dd9.jpg


"To me what's appealing about Iron Man is that it's not a superhero movie set against a backdrop of teen angst. It's about an adult who has demons and is a very flawed hero, much like all the Marvel heroes". If John Favreau's words are anything to go by then we can expect an altogether more grown up comic book movie when his Iron Man touches down next May.

The film follows Tony Stark, a genius weapons manufacturer who is captured by enemy forces in the Gulf War and forced to build a super weapon, in the shape of a technologically advanced suit of armour that can fly, fire laser blasts and toast bread just right. Being a wiley sort, he steals said super weapon and uses it as both a life support system to help his dicky heart and a machine to transform him into crime fighter Iron Man.

"It deals with issue I have more to say about than how hard it is to fit in at high school or meet a girl," continues Favreau on the set of the summer blockbuster. “This is a guy who’s living a glamorous life in Hollywood…This may be a couple of notches above reality, but I know a little of that life”. For a film with grown up themes – as well as being a war hostage and Hollywood playboy, Stark also suffers from alcohol and drug addictions – Favreau had to choose a very grown up proper actor who’s faced a few of his own demons to play Stark. Step forward Robert Downey Jr.

"I see Tony Stark as the best and occasionally worst in Americans and citizens around the world," says Downey Jr. "He’s a brilliant guy, an inventor who can’t totally separate himself from the repercussions of the weapons he builds. There’s a real sense of honour and I know a thing or two about honour”.

So is there a political element to this particular comic book movie? “Y’know, even if there isn’t a political dimension to it, people are gonna project one on to it,” says Downey Jr. “I don’t see this as a bunch of limousine liberals trying to slip one past the bad guys. But the good news is, if it gets too heavy I can simply say, ‘Dudes, it’s a comic book. Will you relax?’”

Credit to Spideristic for this great find! http://www.empireonline.com/images/point.gif

[combocaz]

downey looks old and ugly and hes uber short.

[grabmygladys]

Downey looks perfect combo you obviously know nothing about Iron Man

[Vartha]

I agree Downey looks perfect to me, I can't picture anyone else as Tony now.

[Yellow Cyclone]

def an iconic shot, and granov's getting his money's worth as an advisor

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8370/im08qc6.jpg

hell even http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xyDyDfOlHc :woot:

:up:

[Noir]

Great find into! I am so excited for this flick!

[Vartha]

made two new wallpapers guys in the wallpaper section enjoy!

[Tissues]

Nice.:heart:

[Hunter Rider]

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/9113/18959vx6.jpg

Even better in High Res:wow::woot:

[Ironman24]

Downey looks perfect combo you obviously know nothing about Iron Man

There's always someone who has to go against the crowd and complain or be-little what everyone else likes, I tend to ignore them.

[Weadazoid]

good god....he looks perfect

[Vartha]

Ain't that the truth?
Even tho Ghost Rider was missing alot, I still enjoyed it, FF1 might wasn't up to par with many nit picky fans, but I enjoyed it. Heck I can remember when people were picking apart the organic web shooters.
I'm loving the era of Superhero movies. We're going to see at least one a year for quite a long time. I'm going to sit back and enjoy it!

[Fanticon]

If they're gonna release any images this early on...thats clearly one I would have went for as well.

[Triad]

He looks great in the role. You can't go wrong with Downey in this role.
He always becomes his characters. We are truly lucky to have him play Tony Stark/Ironman. Just like we're lucky to get Ed Norton as Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Can't wait for that, too.
We are living in such a great era of movies. Not only are we getting to see superhero movies but we're getting to see great actors in the roles.
Unreal.
I couldn't agree more Jamal!
...now we just have to hope for the right actor to be cast as Captain America!

[IamtheBatman]

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/9113/18959vx6.jpg

Downey looks chiseled.

[Vartha]

I couldn't agree more Jamal!
...now we just have to hope for the right actor to be cast as Captain America!
Cap AND Thor, at least they'd have most of the Avengers in seperate movies.

[not_a_victim]

downey looks old and ugly and hes uber short.

Wow, let the hating begin.
Downey looks awesome here, and he's being held captive in a cave in the middle of a desert. You'd look like crap, too.

[Amazing Afroman]

Downey looks absolutely amazing. I'm really getting pumped for this movie!

[JackBauer]

goddamn, this is looking perfect so far! and I almost never say that!

[Golgo-13]

I just noticed Stark Industries in that white thing in the background.

[roony]

Me too!

I think I heard that Favs shot all the armor/expensive/SFX scenes first, so that they could work on it during the entirety of filming. Can someone confirm this for me, or am I wrong?

[Retroman]

Looking good:up:
Regarding the monitoring device on his chest. The device has to be removed from his shirt and put in this device to see the information regarding his heart :

http://www.edcenter.sdsu.edu/cs575viz/viewmaster.gif

LMAO:woot:

[ultimatefan]

Downey seems in pretty good shape, I love to see that they´re working with the heart condition thing, that was a big thing for me when i met the character.

[Iron Man's Dad]

That boy's a chip off the old block!

[LostSon88]

Could someone explain to me what that thing on his chest is? I've never really followed Iron Man so I'm pretty naive to certain elements of the character...

[Leto]

Tony gets a piece of shrapnel lodged in his chest near his heart while being captured by terrorists and he gets an implant put in by a doctor who was captured before him. I forget the exact medical reason for it being there, but I believe it holds the shrapnel in place so it doesn't kill him.

[shigsy2003]

That pic does look ace and with Downey Jr in the title role this film hasn't got many worries.

The main thing I can't wait to see is the Gold and Red armour. Which I am hoping won't be used till the last battle. I know that sounds a little painful but imagine him getting battered with his Grey suit on, decides he needs something better, comes out with the new and improved Gold and Red suit and kicks some Mandarin a$$.

[Leto]

Actually I'm pretty sure he switches to the Mark II armor after he escapes. I'm hoping the Mark II armor isn't just the original painted gold and shows Stark slimming down and improving his armor's technology.

A great twist would be the Silver Centurion or War Machine armor popping up at the end like Joker's card in Batman Begins.

[3dman27]

Tony gets a piece of shrapnel lodged in his chest near his heart while being captured by terrorists and he gets an implant put in by a doctor who was captured before him. I forget the exact medical reason for it being there, but I believe it holds the shrapnel in place so it doesn't kill him.

in the comics the shrapnel was always too close to ton's heart to operate on him:hyper:

[nite-owl]

I like it.

[Vartha]

in the comics the shrapnel was always too close to ton's heart to operate on him:hyper:
Don't forget, the Cheast plate of the Grey Armour was what Originally kept his heart going. There was no Pace makers back in the early 60's.

[Araneae]

A great twist would be the Silver Centurion or War Machine armor popping up at the end like Joker's card in Batman Begins.

You could take that a bit further and have a scene near the very end with Stark entering a storage room with all the multiple variations on the armor.

But that might be a bit much for a first movie.

[Gold Samurai]

Don't forget, the Cheast plate of the Grey Armour was what Originally kept his heart going. There was no Pace makers back in the early 60's.


I wonder if when he goes back to the states he has an small operation to change the glowing heart device to a normal pace maker.

It would look like a real downer if stark is making out with a girl she takes off his shirt and wam the device glowing right through

woman- can you turn that thing off its hurting my eyes!

stark- um I can't turn it off

[Vartha]

lol ya never know, she may like Tony the disc ball lol

[Vartha]

Regarding the monitoring device on his chest. The device has to be removed from his shirt and put in this device to see the information regarding his heart :

http://www.edcenter.sdsu.edu/cs575viz/viewmaster.gif
LOL do they still make View Master? Some of todays movies may look preety cool in that.

[Spidey_D.N.]

Wow, I'm surprise no one has posted this up on this thread:
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/779/779801/iron-man-20070411114247484.jpg

My guess is this may be his first suit.

[LostSon88]

No one's posted it cuz its all over the other threads...

:cwink:

And yeah it's the Mark I...his first suit.

[Retroman]

Downey seems in pretty good shape, I love to see that they´re working with the heart condition thing, that was a big thing for me when i met the character.

You've met Tony Stark?:eek: :p j/k

Seriously though...i think it's good that they incorporated this aspect from the comics. Makes him a little more human. Hopefully there will be a hint of his drinking problem in the movie too.

Side note: Wouldn't the tank top (with emblem) be a nice bit of merchandise?
LOL do they still make View Master? Some of todays movies may look preety cool in that.
They do. I think Superman Returns and Batman Begins had viewmaster reels.

[3dman27]

Side note: Wouldn't the tank top (with emblem) be a nice bit of merchandise?

.

an im tank top's a good idea good thinking:ninja:

[Vartha]

Wow, I'm surprise no one has posted this up on this thread:
http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/779/779801/iron-man-20070411114247484.jpg

My guess is this may be his first suit.
Yeah it's in the Armour revealed thread AND I've made Wallpapers of it.

[Lightning Strykez!]

He looks effing awesome. I told you guys this casting choice would be inspired visually. :up:

[Vartha]

I knew they made the right choice from the begining. I'm gonna love this movie.

[Darknightnomis]

Between this pic and the previous Mark I photo I am getting extremly hyped for movie.

I love that Favreau is staying true to the roots of comci in the development of the armor! Can't wait to se the read and gold!

http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/comics101/images/2003/july23/talesofsuspense39.jpg

[Johnny Drama]

robert downey jr as IRONMAN??

i think im gonna hurl :P

Suit looks gay.

You are just now finding out the Robert Downey Jr is Ironman?
Just now?
And you feel you have the right to pass negative criticism as if you are a well informed, diehard Ironman fan?
please do me a favor and delete your Hype account. Now. Please.

[BrollySupersj]

That is a FANTASTIC picture, Good ole Stark at work.