Robert Downey Jr. has signed up for three more films for Marvel, including Iron Man 2, which is scheduled to go into production in the Spring. Downey will return as Tony Stark in Iron Man 3, while he'll also appear in the ensemble superhero movie The Avengers that is scheduled for release in July 2011. Iron Man was a huge hit for Marvel, earning $578 million worldwide, and giving them a much needed franchise after The Hulk stalled at the gates a second time. Signing up means Downey will appear in a tent pole feature every summer for the next four years - at least. He's currently shooting Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, which is another possible franchise for the talented actor. It's great to see genuine ability being rewarded - that's not always the case in Hollywood *cough* Jude Law *cough*
