Following months of speculation about whether Robert Downey Jr would reprise the role of Tony Stark/Iron Man in any upcoming films, Marvel fans will be pleased to know that his return is definitely imminent.

Marvel Studios announced yesterday that the Hollywood actor has signed up to play the character again for the eagerly-anticipated second AND third installment of last year’s comic-book blockbuster The Avengers.

Downey Jr has already played the role four times with the most recent being Iron Man 3 which came out in late April and has gone on to become one of the highest grossing films of all time.

There had been rumours of the actor’s reluctance to return after apparently voicing his disdain about his fellow cast members not getting paid enough compared to him. However it all seems like water under the bridge with other Avengers actors set to come back as well.

The Avengers 2 will again be directed by Joss Whedon with its release date confirmed for May 1st 2015.