Gwyneth to star in Iron Man

Jan 21, 2007, 12:00 GMT

Gwyneth Paltrow - © Wild1 / Photorazzi

Gwyneth Paltrow is to star in new comic book movie 'Iron Man'.

The Oscar-winning actress will play Virginia 'Pepper' Potts opposite Robert Downey Jr. who is to play lead character Tony Stark.

Paltrow's character Potts is the personal assistant and love interest of Stark - a billionaire industrialist who builds a high-tech, nearly impenetrable suit of armour that gives him superhuman powers.

Also confirmed to appear in the hotly anticipated new film is Terrance Howard who has landed the role of Stark's best friend, Jim Rhodes.

Howard received a Best Actor Oscar nomination in 2006 for his performance in 'Hustle and Flow'.

The movie, which is due for release in 2008, will be directed by 'Elf' and 'Zathura' filmmaker Jon Favreau and is the first film to be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment.

The Iron Man character was created by Larry Lieber, Stan Lee, Don Lee and Jack Kirby in March 1963.

Stark's red-and-gold metallic alter ego originally battled Communists during the early years of the Vietnam War, often appearing alongside fellow Marvel superhero Captain America.

(C) BANG Media International