Kiss Kiss Iron Man Bang Bang

I'm not sure how to take this bit o news. Robert Downey Jr. has been tapped to portray Iron Man in the upcoming movie based on the Marvel comic book. I'm a big Iron Man fan and I was curious to see who the studio would pursue to tackle the role of playboy industrialist Tony Stark. For a long time Tom Cruise was attached to the project. I thought this was a logical choice. Cruise would bring added box office and he is no stranger to the action genre. But Cruise backed out of the project and the search continued. Over the summer, Jon Favreau was hired to direct the film. Favreau has acted in numerous movies and tv shows and has directed a few features, most notably Elf. An intriguing choice for the director of a major comic book action film to say the least. And now he has cast Robert Downey Jr.., another odd choice.

I'm surprised that Downey Jr. would take such a role. Ever since he got out of jail (the second time), he has been choosing smaller roles in small pictures. These roles have allowed him to showcase his talent and diversity. His biggest role recently was in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. (Public Service Announcement: If you haven't seen Kiss Kiss yet, drop what you're doing now and go rent it now. You can go to the bathroom later.) I almost think this is a bit of overcasting. Downey Jr. is too good an actor for this role. Unless the movie plans to touch on the fact that Tony Stark is an alcoholic. Then Downey Jr. is the perfect pick. Cheers!