Chef keeps on casting. The Jon Favreau-starrer that just added Robert Downey, Jr. last week got a little bit bigger Wednesday, becoming more of an Iron Man 2 reunion than anything else. Happy Hogan has just recruited his Black Widow actress Scarlett Johansson in a supporting role. This comes in addition to credits being given to Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, and Bobby Cannavale. Favreau released a statement acknowledging today’s news:
“Scarlett is a tremendous talent and I’m honored to be collaborating with her again. I’m so fortunate to be working with such a fine ensemble.”
The film follow’s the director’s character who establishes a food truck business after loosing his job as a chef. Themes seem to include ‘artistic promise’ and ‘family reunions’ for the estranged. Johansson’s role is that of Molly, a love interest of Favreau’s and a restaurant manager.
Robert Downey, Jr. may be milking Marvel Studios for all they are worth at the negotiating table, but he is more than happy to join in the occasional indie production at the cost of a nickel. He has just climbed on board Jon Favreau’s next low-budget pic Chef, adding that to his in-development slate which also includes a role in The Judge which he happens to be producing. All this while audiences fawn over his latest Tony Stark interpretation to the tune of over $700 million global box office in two weeks.
Robert Downey, Jr. took a victory lap at Jimmy Kimmel Live Tuesday night. The actor is coming off the success of his third Iron Movie which grossed $700 million worldwide as of Monday night. It has been revealed just yesterday that RDJ has one heck of a back-end deal there with as much as 7% of the gross coming his way which might explain the overtime.
Iron Man 3 was great. Plain and simple, it was my favorite movie since seeing The Avengers last May and that includes Skyfall, The Dark Knight Rises, and The Hobbit for those keeping score at home. It was not better than its Marvel Studio’s predecessor, but it certainly got the job done by showcasing a lot of fun sequences, capable dialogue, and better than average relationships created by superior acting. Sadly though, I have major nitpicks and no I am not talking about the twist that is infuriating fans of the comic book source material nationwide.
Well, it looks like the biggest starts of the weekend are going to be the two leads from Todd Phillips’ Due Date. Robert Downey, Jr. is reprising his role as Iron Man on the feature side while the most-watched television broadcast will likely be Saturday Night Live. Coincidentally, the gig at the helm has gone to Zach Galifianakis who is out promoting The Hangover Part III which will arrive in theaters in just three short weeks. That said, we have no other choice but to look back on one of the most under-appreciated R-comedies of our time, an odd-couple road trip movie that starred the duo as they made their way to California together after being placed on the no-fly list. 
It seems the Robert Downey, Jr. Pinocchio movie no one has been asking for is still around even after Tim Burton’s exit. The film with the Iron Man actor playing Geppetto has apparently been reconceived as Ben Stiller looks to be taking up the helm. The two actors previously partnered on Tropic Thunder thus the connection and something further might be that this was at the request of Downey himself. That seems to be okay though because Stiller’s Tropic Thunder follow-up The Secret Life of Walter Mitty appears to be generating a lot of buzz. In other words, he still has it even when it comes to serious fare. Warner Bros. is backing the project.
Robert Downey, Jr. is still doing press for Iron Man 3. The Tony Stark-player pit stopped at The Daily Show Tuesday night to follow up his Tonight Show appearance that took place Friday. It is always great to watch any interview with the often-honest Downey who personifies ‘the comeback story.’ I still find it hard to imagine the actor was paid 6 figures for his work on the first Iron Man and ended up scoring over 50 times that amount on The Avengers. That is the importance of negotiating gross percentage over upfront cash, people!
Robert Downey, Jr. was on The Tonight Show Friday night to promote Iron Man 3 (of course.) The clean-shaven man talked about a lot including his Oscar snub from long ago and the prospects of winning one of these days. The actor also screened another clip from the movie which we already saw, but it is Tony Stark so we will happily sit through it again. His new movie aims to be the biggest opening of the year with tracking now north of $150 million for the three-day debut. 
We continue our runaway coverage of Iron Man 3 today with the look at yet another spot for the Shane Black-directed blockbuster. Earlier Wednesday afternoon, I reported on first word coming in from the 
Those who want to live and breathe Iron Man 3 prior to release are in luck. The press tour for the film hits the U.S. this week, suggesting more clips and talk show appearances from the film’s stars. While the circuit seems full of promotion for more imminent releases these next five days, it is worth noting that Thursday marks the first major appearance for the third Iron Man movie when Gwyneth Paltrow visits The Tonight Show on April 25th. The Pepper Potts-player will then follow that up with a stop by Ellen to air Friday afternoon.
With the third Iron Man movie less than two weeks out from release, it is now time to visit the financials for yet another high-flying blockbuster. The pic hailing from Disney’s Marvel Studios looks to be a fairly ambitious standalone effort with a budget every inch as high as its direct predecessor. Iron Man III cost the unit a whopping $200 million to make, surging $60 million past preliminary expectations.