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
2008 New York Film Critics Circle Awards Im Bashir)"<br> 3. "Trouble the Water" 1. Jenny Lumet – "Rachel Getting Married"<br> 2. Mike Leigh – "Happy-Go-Lucky"<br> 3. Robert D. Siegel – "The Wrestler" 1. Josh Brolin – "Milk"<br> 2. Heath Ledger – "The Dark Knight"<br> 3. Robert Downey Jr. – "Tropic Thunder" 1. Penélope Cruz – "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"<br> 2. Viola Davis – "Doubt"<br> 3. Rosemarie DeWitt – "Rachel Getting Married"<br> 3. Debra Winger – "Rachel Getting Married" 2008 New York Film Critics Circle Awards The 74th New York Film Critics Circle Awards, honoring the best in film for 2008, were announced on 10 December 2008 and presented