Downey Jr. Returning for 2 More 'Avengers' Sequels

Following the stellar success of Iron Man 3 and The Avengers before it, there has been a lot of nervous anxiety in Hollywood and among the superhero fan audience over whether or not Robert Downey Jr. would return to play Tony Stark/Iron Man again, since his contract with Marvel was up for renegotiation.

Pics: Check Out This Cool Set of 'Iron Man 3' Posters

Now, all can rest easy, as Downey Jr. will be back for Marvel’s The Avengers 2 and Marvel’s The Avengers 3. Phew!

Marvel announced today on its website that it is "pleased to announce the signing of Robert Downey, Jr. to reprise the role of the 'billionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist.' Under the two-picture agreement, Downey will star as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Marvel’s The Avengers 2 and Marvel’s The Avengers 3."

The site made sure to point out that Downey Jr.'s last two Marvel films, 2012’s Marvel’s The Avengers and Iron Man 3 "rank as two of the top five grossing films of all time, collectively earning over $2.7 billion worldwide to date."

Related Video: Broken Ankle No Big Thing for Downey as 'Iron Man'

Marvel’s The Avengers 2, once again being written and directed by Joss Whedon, is slated to begin production in March 2014 and open in theaters May 1, 2015.