Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man

Not only does Defamer have it, but so does Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, so it must be true.

I know my opinions matter about thismuch in the world, but for what it's worth, I absolutely love this casting.  I think it's brilliant.  Why?  Very simple.

Because Robert Downey Jr. can act the f*ck out of anything.  Go watch Chaplin.  Go watch Natural Born Killers, or even Good Night and Good Luck.  Shoot... go watch Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang - easily one of the best and most overlooked films of last year.  Just awesome stuff.  I won't even pretend to hide my enthusiasm for David Fincher's upcoming Zodiac with Downey, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Mark Ruffalo. 

Look at the superhero films that have had decent actors at their core: Spider-Man with Tobey Maguire, Batman Begins with Christian Bale, and this is a fantastic move. 

I can't speak for what it will do at the box office (relatively minor superhero character - not as well known to mainstream consumers, troubled celebrity with little box office success), but it's going to make Iron Man a better movie.

Now, it is true that Tony Stark (Iron Man's secret identity) happens to be an alcoholic... I'm just sayin'.