Robert Downey Jr. signs up for more 'Avengers'

It looks like Robert Downey Jr. will be rocking the Iron Man suit for at least two more films.

The actor's signed a two-picture deal to reprise his role as Tony Stark for "The Avengers 2" and "The Avengers 3." The announcement was made on Marvel's website, clearing up the speculation that Downey wouldn't return because of contract issues.

This will be good news to fans and folks like Downey's co-star, Gwyneth Paltrow, who in the "Iron Man 3" cover story for Entertainment Weekly said, "Personally, I think it would be very hard for someone to step into Iron Man, because it is so Robert." (There's still no word if Downey will return for any solo "Iron Man" movies, though.)

"The Avengers 2" is being written and directed by Joss Whedon. Production is slated to begin in March 2014, with the film set for release May 1, 2015. There's no word on the payday for Downey Jr., but he reportedly made somewhere in the ballpark of $50 million for "The Avengers," according to GQ.

Making money, of course, hasn't been a problem for anyone involved in either the "Iron Man" or "Avengers" franchises. Last year's "Avengers" and 2013's "Iron Man 3" rank as two of the top five grossing films of all time. Together, the blockbuster juggernauts have earned $2.7 billion at the worldwide box office.