Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) announced that it had come on board as the principle visual effects house on the new Marvel Studios production of Iron Man. Sister company Skywalker Sound, which houses EFILM’s northern California outpost, completes the post production triumvirate. Skywalker Sound will handle sound design and mix duties for the film.
Marvel Studios’ big screen adaptation of Marvel’s legendary Super Hero Iron Man, will launch into theaters on May 2, 2008. Oscar® nominee Robert Downey, Jr. stars as Tony Stark/ Iron Man in the story of a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implication, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man. The film also stars Oscar® nominee Terrence Howard, Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow and OscarÃ?® nominee Jeff Bridges and will be directed by Jon Favreau. Paramount Pictures will distribute the film domestically and in various international territories.
"When we first heard the news about Marvel becoming a studio we were very intrigued," explained ILM President Chrissie England. "Marvel has a rich library of fantastic storylines and iconic characters and Kevin Feige is the perfect person to lead them to success. When Iron Man was announced here at ILM the artists started knocking down my door asking to be assigned to the project. We are all thrilled at the opportunity to work on this film and equally excited for our new relationship with Marvel."