Downey Jr. Signs for "Iron Man 2"

Robert Downey, Jr. has signed up for a sequel to Iron Man, the comic book action-thriller that slayed the box office last weekend. The sequel will be released in 2010, Marvel Studios has said.

More after the jump…

In a BBC story, Kevin Feige, head of production for Marvel Studios, said much of Iron Man’s success was due to Downey Jr. “It’s great to see a sold-out audience that you know is made up of comic book fans and people who had never read an Iron Man comic in their life.”

And even better when it’s a gifted actor like Downey, Jr., who’s made a successful comeback after battling drugs for many years.

Iron Man features Downey Jr as billionaire industrialist Tony Stark, who invents a high-tech suit of armor that transforms him into a superhero. Gwyneth Paltrow plays Pepper Potts, his able and much-needed personal assistant.

Check out my review of Iron Man.

Image: Iron Man, Paramount Pictures, 2008