In an utterly unshocking turn of events Marvel has ponied up the cash to get Robert Downey Jr. Back in the suit for Avengers 3 and Avengers 3. Full details after the jump.

[Marvel](http://marvel.com/news/story/20786/robert_downey_jr_to_return_as_marvels_iron_man):

> “I am Iron Man.”

> Tony Stark’s famous closing line to the very first Iron Man film takes on new life today as Marvel is pleased to announce the signing of Robert Downey, Jr. to reprise the role of the “billionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist.”

> Under the two-picture agreement, Downey will star as Tony Stark/Iron Man in “Marvel’s The Avengers 2” and “Marvel’s The Avengers 3.” Downey is represented at CAA by Bryan Lourd, Jim Toth and Matt Leaf and by his attorneys Tom Hansen and Stewart Brookman of the firm Hansen Jacobson.

> Downey, Jr.’s last two Marvel films, 2012’s “Marvel’s The Avengers” and this year’s “Iron Man 3,” rank as two of the top five grossing films of all time, collectively earning over $2.7 billion worldwide to date.

> “Marvel’s The Avengers 2” is being written and directed by Joss Whedon. Featuring favorites from the first Avengers film and new Marvel characters never before seen on the big screen, “Marvel’s The Avengers 2” is slated to begin production in March 2014 and open in theaters May 1, 2015.

A couple of items of note here:

First, it’s a two picture deal which means it’s Avengers 2 and Avengers 3. maybe some cameo goodness, but no Iron Man 4 at least through the Marvel’s Phase 3. Some of you are probably disappointed, but Iron Man 3 provided a great ending to Tony Stark’s arc so I’m pretty happy they are leaving room to develop other characters and introduce new ones.

Second, the press release teases characters “never before seen on screen” in Avengers 2 and 3, so who is that going to be!? can’t be anyone that’s already appear, or already set to appear in one of the lead up movies so who does that even leave? Joss Whedon has already announced Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch, but I’m personally hoping for even more.

What do you guys think of the news?