big screen. (The film is due May 2008.) Director Jon Favreau (Elf ) began shooting in March with star Robert Downey Jr.
in his first comic-book Paltrow as his trusted assistant. In the film, Downey plays Tony Stark, a playboy suffering a life-threatening heart injury in war-torn Afghanistan. ''This is a decidedly adult superhero story,'' says Favreau.
(Fanboy FYI: Look for Stark's legendary drinking problem to pop up in possible sequels.)
Stan Winston, the Iron Man togs a far cry from Stark's normal black-tie attire are robo-cool but make for restrictive, sweaty duds. ''Robert was very bullish on wearing the suit whenever possible,'' says Favreau of his star, who bulked up for the role.
''Now I don't know if he's such a fan of that idea.