"I am Iron Man."  Yes, Robert Downey, Jr., according to Marvel, you are, indeed.  The well-known "billionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist" Tony Stark will again be played by Robert Downey, Jr. in The Avengers 2 and 3 under a new two-picture deal, according to an announcement today from Marvel.

While Downey, Jr.’s last two Marvel films, Marvel’s The Avengers and the current hit Iron Man 3, rank as two of the top five grossing films of all time (earning over $2.7 billion worldwide so far), the actor’s status with Marvel has been in limbo since his contract ran out after Iron Man 3 (see "Will Robert Downey, Jr. Be in 'Avengers 2'?").  Apparently Disney has doled out the cash necessary to keep Downey, Jr.--and Avengers 2 writer/director Joss Whedon--happy (see "Whedon Has 'No Intention' of Making 'Avengers 2' without Downey").  Terms were not disclosed, but since Downey, Jr. made $50 million for the first Avengers film, it’s likely a big payday. 

Marvel’s The Avengers 2 is planned to begin production in March 2014, and features favorites from the first Avengers as well as Marvel characters new to the big screen (see "Whedon Confirms Quicksilver & Scarlet Witch in 'Avengers 2'").  Avengers 2 has a release date set for May 1, 2015.