Robert Downey Jr. Inks Additional "Iron Man" Deals

Actor Robert Downey, Jr., who played Tony Stark in this year's Iron Man film, will not only reprise his role for two sequels but has also signed a deal with Marvel Studios to star as the metal hero in the superhero film, The Avengers, according to E! Online.

After news broke that actor Terrence Howard would be replaced by Don Cheadle in the Iron Man sequels, the studio declined to confirm if Downey and the director, Jon Favreau, would return for the sequels. With the new deal, both Downey and Favreau will not only work on the Iron Man sequels but The Avengers film, as well.

The Avengers will feature an all-star Marvel superhero cast, including Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Captain America and Thor.

The Iron Man sequel is tentatively scheduled for a release date in May 2010. The Avengers is scheduled for release in July 2011.

After his Iron Man comeback, Downey starred in Ben Stiller's summer comedy, Tropic Thunder. Downey is currently working on director Guy Ritchie's film adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, in which he plays the title character.