Robert Downey Jr. IS Tony Stark in ‘Avengers’

Great news for all Robert Downey Jr. fans! Marvel Studios today announced the actor will appear as Tony Stark in the upcoming “The Avengers.”

In the film, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and others team up to battle the biggest foe they've ever faced.

We obviously knew Downey Jr. would return as Stark in “Iron Man 2,” but this is definitely an awesome update. Who could have honestly replaced him? Right, nobody!

Marvel also announced that Jon Favreau will serve as executice producer on the “Avengers” project, which is currently scheduled for a 2011 release. Favreau also returns behind the camera for the anticipated “Iron Man” sequel.

In related news, the studio officially confirmed Don Cheadle will play James Rhodes in “Iron Man 2” and “The Avengers.”

Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, said he’s excited about working with Cheadle.

“It has already become apparent as we prep the movie for production, that the dynamic between Robert and Don will take 'Iron Man 2' to new heights," he said.

As I mentioned last week, I absolutely loved Terrence Howard as Rhodes in the first movie, and while I’m sad he’ll not return, I’m sure Cheadle will do just fine.