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Chris · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 10:25 am Post subject: Iron Man 2008

Iron Man is an upcoming 2008 superhero film based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Iron Man. The film is directed by Jon Favreau and stars Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. The film is slated for a May 2, 2008 release, and is the first film independently produced by Marvel Studios.

Premise

Stark builds his armorWeapons designer Tony Stark is in Afghanistan to introduce his new missile design when the air force unit he is traveling with is attacked and Stark is taken hostage. Injured by shrapnel embedded near his heart, his captors order him to assemble a missile for them, giving him access to a workshop. He puts his creativity to use by assembling a bulletproof set of power armor, complete with pacemaker and flamethrowers, and uses it to free himself. Back at home, he becomes Iron Man, developing a flying suit with the red and gold scheme and advanced weapon capabilities. Stark faces the Iron Monger.

Cast
Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man: A billionaire industrialist and ingenious inventor who develops the ultimate technological suit. Favreau originally planned to cast a newcomer in the role, but cast Downey Jr., who is a big fan of the comic book. Downey Jr. described his challenge as "making a wealthy, establishmentarian, weapons manufacturing, hard drinking, womanizing prick into someone who is likable and a hero." Downey set up an office next to Favreau, discussing his role and becoming highly involved in pre-production.
Gwyneth Paltrow as Virginia "Pepper" Potts: Stark's personal secretary. Paltrow went to the source material, reading many comic books lent by her husband, Chris Martin.
Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane / Iron Monger: Tony Stark's mentor, and now his main business rival.
Terrence Howard as James Rhodes: A pilot and friend of Stark. Rhodes meets Stark after Iron Man saves his life when a plane crash leaves him stranded behind enemy lines. He is the liaison between Stark's Enterprises and the military in the department of acquisitions. Howard's casting in the role was part of long-term planning, as Favreau felt he could play War Machine. Howard prepared for the role by visiting Nellis Air Force Base on March 16, 2007, where he observed HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and F-22 Raptors.
Shaun Toub as Yin Sen.
Leslie Bibb as a "fast-talking" reporter.
Bill Smitrovich in an unnamed role.
Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Actress Hilary Swank will have a cameo in the film. Iron Man co-creator Stan Lee will also cameo, where he appears with three blonde women and is mistaken for Hugh Hefner by Tony Stark. Favreau announced the Mandarin as the film's villain at Comic-Con International on July 22, 2006. After filming, Favreau compared the Mandarin to Sauron in The Lord of the Rings, in that his role is a presence rather than a physical antagonist.