Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man

A bit of casting news. Marvel reported today that Robert Downey Jr. will take on the role of Tony “Iron Man” Stark in a movie being directed by Jon Favreau. “Iron Man” is the first feature film to be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment and is scheduled to hit theaters May 2, 2008.

I wonder if Downey will sport a mustache? I also wonder if the movie will feature Tony Stark’s struggle with alcohol, which should resonate with Downey, who knows a bit about addiction.

Meanwhile, is it just me or is Iron Man becoming the biggest villain in the Marvel Universe? As the Marvel icon heading up the pro-registration side in “Civil War,” he’s becoming increasingly unbearable. In this week’s “Amazing Spider-Man,” he does have a panel in which he talks about how tough and unpleasant it all is for him. But he’s also pretty much a jerk as Spidey wrestles with his growing doubts — leading to a not-surprising decision in the end.