Jeff Bridges cast in Marvel's 'Iron Man'

By Stone Martindale Feb 6, 2007, 20:29 GMT

Jeff Bridges - now we really care about this film... © Glenn Harris / Photorazzi

The Hollywood Reporter states actor Jeff Bridges has joined the hot cast of "Iron Man," produced independently by Marvel. 

Jon Favreau is directing the movie and Paramount Pictures will distribute.

Actor Robert Downey Jr. will portray Iron Man and his alter ego, billionaire defence contractor Tony Stark.

Bridges is said to play a "confidant and close business associate of Stark," a longtime employee at Stark Industries, who has a major hand in Stark's life.

"We've been talking to Jeff for long time," Marvel's president of production Kevin Feige said. "He's excited about doing a movie like this, and we're excited to have him in this particular role. There are many facets to this character which I can't discuss, but looking at the spectrum of all of Jeff's roles, this fits in nicely with the man who played 'Starman,' 'Tucker,' 'Big Lebowski' with a little bit 'Tron' thrown in.

"This rounds out our ensemble, and I think it's one of the strongest casts ever assembled for one of our films," said Feige to THR.

The cast is top notch, with Oscar nominee Downey, Terrence Howard and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow. Bridges too, is a four-time Oscar nominee, will be seen soon in "A Dog Year"

Production offices are open for "Iron Man" shooting in the Los Angeles area, with a release date of May 2, 2008.