I was surprised at both of them too. But Downey said that all the other actors have got their superhero jollies and he wanted his turn.

Quite honestly, being able to start a character from scratch in the movie-biz is a huge advantage to claiming your legacy for it; ala Downey and Iron man. That's not to say that an actor can't make an old character better, ala Bale for Batman. Heh.

I think Downey did the right thing; he's great for Tony Stark. As for Norton and Hulk... well, we'll see how that goes.

Actually, I think Edward Norton would be/is perfect for the role of David/Bruce Banner. The problem is the Hulk. I liked the TV format, one actor for each role.

yeah, but the computer version is more realistic to the comics role of the hulk. he wasn't just some big guy with green skin, he was massive in size. who knows maybe this will work out, i think even with norton behind the role it won't be as good as iron man, but we'll see.

and i do agree that downey is perfect for the tony stark role, especially with stark being a recovering alcoholic and downey being a recovering smack addict.

Downey should do well in dealing with the depiction of addiction in the next film, yes. Definitely a case of 'first-hand knowledge'.

And, even though he wouldn't care, I have to say I'm quite proud of him, that he managed to stay sober and complete the movie/role without incident: well done, Robert.

Also on the case of Iron Man, I quite like how Marvel controlled this movie on their own (for the most part). From what I've heard, Marvel funded the entire project, including taking control of the CGI departments and having their own people do it all - ala Peter Jackson and LotRs.

Very impressive, I say.

Yeah, if I understood correctly the movie, Iron Man, represents a new trend for Marvel Movies... one where Marvel proper keeps a very hands-on approach to their films in every aspect, from conception through production and release. I can't help but think this will be a very good thing for Marvel fans like myself.

i'm a marvel fan, but i still like dc more.

dark knight will probably be the big success this year. if not for ledger's performance than for his death.

then it would be iron man or narnia 2 i'm sure.

Indeed.

I think, due to Batman's already firm establishment of awesomeness (thanks to Bale and his representation in Begins), Dark Knight is a first-runner on the minds of most fans.

Iron Man, being new so to speak, as a movie means that it will have to also establish itself, just like the new line of Batman films has.

Yet, I think Iron Man will do greatly, and I think that Marvel will finally understand that they don't have to keep giving in to other companies who demanded they alter aspects of their creations - mostly talking about Sony and the like, there, and how some of those financial organizations made changes to previous comic movies.

In my mind, there's nothing better than the comic creators being the movie creators - they know what they're doing, they know what the comic fans like (mostly - don't get me started on some of those more recent titles out there), and they know how to make it without big daddy corporate tutting and slapping wrists for trying to break the mould.

also the iron man group have combined for about 9 oscar nominations so that will draw crowds too.