Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr has signed up for two more Avengers films.

Marvel announced that the actor will reprise his role as comic book superhero Iron Man/Tony Stark for The Avengers 2 and The Avengers 3.

Downey Jr has played the character in a trilogy of Iron Man movies, as well as the first superhero ensemble Avengers film – entitled Avengers Assemble in the UK – which made $2.7 billion (€2 billion) worldwide.

Joss Whedon is to return as director of the next Avengers film. He is writing the screenplay now, with production scheduled to begin next March ahead of a theatrical release in May 2015.

Downey Jr, 48, had previously suggested this year’s Iron Man 3 might be his last spin in a stand-alone Iron Man film.

Marvel’s announcement made no mention of an Iron Man 4 release.

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