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 Tony Stark / Iron Man.

The film is slated for a May 2, 2008 release, and is the first film independently produced by Marvel Studios.

Weapons designer Tony Stark is in Afghanistan to introduce his new missile design to the Air Force until the 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.

Film Trailer:

Cast:

  • Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man: A billionaire industrialist who builds the ultimate technological suit. Favreau originally planned to cast a newcomer in the role, but cast Downey, who is a big fan of the comic book. Favreau said that Downey’s own personal problems, including cocaine abuse, made him an appropriate choice for the part. “The best and worst moments of Robert’s life have been in the public eye,” the director explained. “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.” Downey 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. He spent five days a week weight training and practised martial arts to get into shape for the role.
  • Terrence Howard as Lt. Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes: A pilot who befriends Stark when Iron Man saves his life after a plane crash left 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.
  • Gwyneth Paltrow as Virginia “Pepper” Potts: Stark’s personal secretary. Paltrow went to the source material, reading many of her husband’s (Chris Martin) comic books.
  • Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane / Iron Monger: Tony Stark’s mentor, and now his main business rival. Bridges read some of the comics, and enjoyed shaving his hair off for the role, which was something he always wanted to do.
  • Shaun Toub as Yin Sen: Stark’s fellow captive in Afghanistan.
  • Leslie Bibb as Christine Everhart: A “fast-talking” reporter.
  • Bill Smitrovich in an unnamed role.
  • Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
  • Gerard Sanders as Tony Stark’s father.
  • 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. Rapper and Iron Man fan Ghostface Killah also has a cameo. The director himself also has a cameo. 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 menacing presence rather than a physical antagonist.

Filming: The film was shot primarily in California,] with production based at the Playa Vista in the former Hughes Company soundstages. Favreau said he rejected the East Coast setting of the comic books as many superhero films were set there, and wanted to avoid repetition in his film. For filming, Favreau preferred improvisation in dialogue scenes, calling back to his Altman influence. Jeff Bridges noted, “I know Jon is very interested in grounding it as much in reality as he possibly can.”

Filming began on March 12, 2007, with the first few weeks were spent on Stark’s captivity in Afghanistan. One of the sets built was the cave where Stark is imprisoned, which was 150-200 yards long, with movable forks in the caverns. Filming at Edwards Air Force Base began in mid-April, and was completed on May 2. Filming concluded on June 25, 2007 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Special effects: Favreau stated he wanted the film to feel believable, and key to this was seeing the full construction of the suit in its three stages. Iron Man comic book artist Adi Granov created the suit design with Phil Saunders, which was built by Stan Winston Studios. Granov’s designs were the primary inspiration for the film’s design, and he came on board the film after he recognized his work on Jon Favreau’s MySpace page. Armor designs by graphic artist Brandon Perlow were considered by Iron Man’s visual effects supervisor John Nelson but were later rejected

Robert Downey Jr. will be involved with motion capture work eight months after the completion of filming in order to realistically portray the suited Iron Man’s movements. On May 14, 2007, Industrial Light & Magic was hired to create the visual effects, while Skywalker Sound will manage the audio production. EFilm will do color timing and mastering.

Sequel: Director Jon Favreau said that the first film’s plot would not deal with Tony Stark’s personal problems, such as alcoholism. Favreau noted that if there were sequels, Tony Stark’s personal problems would be explored. Favreau plans Iron Man to be the first in a trilogy, with all the actors signed on. Favreau has also stated he would like to develop the Mandarin into a physical threat, or use Fin Fang Foom if he could fit the tone of the films.