Jeff Bridges Joins Iron Man Cast
 

Marvel Studios announced on Tuesday that Jeff Bridges is joining the cast of Iron Man in a role yet named.

According to Marvel, Bridges will play a close business associate of Tony Stark. A confidant and longtime employee at defense contractor Stark Industries, Bridges' character plays a major role in shaping Tony Stark's life.

"We are thrilled to have Jeff Bridges on board Iron Man in this pivotal role. His depth of talent and unique persona make him a perfect addition to this project, truly rounding out the ensemble," said producer Kevin Feige, president of production, Marvel Studios. "His character is central to the entire storyline of the film and we could not have asked for a better choice than Jeff to bring this role to life."

Bridges joins a cast that includes Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Terrence Howard as Rhodey and Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts.

Bridges has appeared in more than 50 movies, receiving four Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actor nod for Starman and Supporting Actor recognition for The Contender, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot and The Last Picture Show. Among his other memorable film credits are: The Big Lebowski, Seabiscuit, The Fisher King, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Tucker: The Man and His Dream, Jagged Edge and Against All Odds. In 2007, he will be seen in A Dog Year and provide his vocal talents to the animated film Surf's Up.

Production of Iron Man -- directed by Jon Favreau -- is scheduled to being in Los Angeles in March for a May 2, 2008 release.

Sems to me like he would play a better role as Justin Hammer/ stark's rival.