edonline
06-16-2008, 09:18 AM
http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2285869,00.html
Downey Jr saddles up to take on the aliens
Catherine Shoard and agencies
Monday June 16, 2008
guardian.co.uk
Having hauled his way back into the A-list, Robert Downey Jr seems to be digging in his heels to ensure he stays put. Since the release of the enormously successful Iron Man in early May - and before the buzz starts for Tropic Thunder, the Ben Stiller comedy in which Downey Jr blacks up - the actor has been mooted for Iron Man 2, an Avengers movie, Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes refit and now Cowboys vs Aliens.
The latter is a DreamWorks/Universal sci-fi western in which warring Apaches and cowboys set aside their squabbles to hound some extraterrestrials out of town. Downey Jr will play a former sharp-shooter in wild west-era Silver City, Arizona; Ron Howard and Steven Spielberg are taking on producer duties.
Adapted from a graphic novel by Fred van Lente and Andrew Foley, the current draft is being penned by Iron Man writers Hawk Ostby and Mark Fergus - which may help explain Downey Jr's involvement.
Meanwhile, Iron Man director Jon Favreau has voiced concern over Marvel studio's slated release date for the planned sequel. Favreau, who has not yet agreed a deal to take charge of the second film, fears the quality may suffer if production is rushed.
"Neither Robert nor I were consulted about this and we are both concerned about how realistic the date is," said Favreau. "We owe it to the fans to have a great version of 'IM2' and, at this point, we would have less time to make it than the first one."
Downey Jr saddles up to take on the aliens
Catherine Shoard and agencies
Monday June 16, 2008
guardian.co.uk
Having hauled his way back into the A-list, Robert Downey Jr seems to be digging in his heels to ensure he stays put. Since the release of the enormously successful Iron Man in early May - and before the buzz starts for Tropic Thunder, the Ben Stiller comedy in which Downey Jr blacks up - the actor has been mooted for Iron Man 2, an Avengers movie, Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes refit and now Cowboys vs Aliens.
The latter is a DreamWorks/Universal sci-fi western in which warring Apaches and cowboys set aside their squabbles to hound some extraterrestrials out of town. Downey Jr will play a former sharp-shooter in wild west-era Silver City, Arizona; Ron Howard and Steven Spielberg are taking on producer duties.
Adapted from a graphic novel by Fred van Lente and Andrew Foley, the current draft is being penned by Iron Man writers Hawk Ostby and Mark Fergus - which may help explain Downey Jr's involvement.
Meanwhile, Iron Man director Jon Favreau has voiced concern over Marvel studio's slated release date for the planned sequel. Favreau, who has not yet agreed a deal to take charge of the second film, fears the quality may suffer if production is rushed.
"Neither Robert nor I were consulted about this and we are both concerned about how realistic the date is," said Favreau. "We owe it to the fans to have a great version of 'IM2' and, at this point, we would have less time to make it than the first one."