Robert Downey Jr. gain more than 20 pounds of muscle in five months to look like he "had the power to forge iron". "Iron Man" was globally released between April 30 and May 3, 2008, grossing over $585 million worldwide and receiving rave reviews which cited Downey's performance as a highlight of the film. By October 2008, Downey had agreed to appear as Iron Man in two "Iron Man" sequels, as part of the Iron Man franchise, as well as "The Avengers", featuring the superhero team that Stark joins, based on Marvel's comic book series "The Avengers". He first reprised the role in
Susan Downey Susan Downey Susan Nicole Downey (née Levin; born November 6, 1973) is an American film producer. Until February 2009, she was Co-President of Dark Castle Entertainment and Executive Vice President of Production at Silver Pictures, Joel Silver's production company, but has since stepped down to work more closely with her husband, Robert Downey Jr. The couple have formed their own production house named Team Downey. Levin was born in Schaumburg, Illinois to Rosie, who was on the PTA, and Elliott Levin, a businessman. She became interested in the movie business at age 12. She graduated from Schaumburg High School as