Jeff Bridges has joined the cast of Iron Man and will play a close associate of Tony Stark's (Robert Downey Jr) in the comic book-inspired movie directed by Jon Favreau (Zathura, Elf). In making the announcement Marvel Studios pointed out Bridges is the fourth Academy Award nominated actor to sign on to the film. Bridges joins Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow), Robert Downey Jr (Chaplin), and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love) in the Paramount Pictures/Marvel Studios film.
Iron Man is expected to begin filming in and around Los Angeles in March 2007. Iron Man will hit theaters in May 2, 2008. Avi Arad and Kevin Feige are producing the film with Ari Arad, Peter Billingsley, Louis D'Esposito, Jon Favreau and Michael Helfant executive producing.
In a press release announcing Bridges' involvement with Iron Man, Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios said, "We are thrilled to have Jeff Bridges on board Iron Man in this pivotal role. His depth of talent and unique persona make him a perfect addition to this project, truly rounding out the ensemble. His character is central to the entire storyline of the film and we could not have asked for a better choice than Jeff to bring this role to life."
The studio didn't release specifics on Bridges' character in Iron Man other than to say he'll be a close business associate, friend and confidant of Tony Stark's.
Source: Marvel Entertainment Inc/Paramount Pictures
