'Avengers: Infinity War' news: Robert Downey Jr. talks about involvement and start of production

Since its announcement, "Avengers: Infinity War" has always been touted as the cumulative Marvel film in what would be its 11 years in existence. And what would be a massive, all-encompassing project without the superhero that started it all? Nothing would be an exaggeration but it would definitely be jarring. Fortunately, Marvel Cinematic Universe debut character, Iron Man, is locked in for the film, as confirmed by Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ) himself.

"We have a start date! That's, you know, when you start shooting," the 51-year-old actor told Entertainment Tonight Online when the outlet caught up with him and wife Susan during a charity function in Hollywood last week. "So I have yet to be released from my Marvel contract! You heard it here first!"

It is no secret that RDJ donning the iconic red and gold suit has not only revived his career after his suffering from substance addiction but has also propelled it to greater heights. And thanks to the surprise hit that is Jon Favreau's "Iron Man" in 2008, a shared universe and the comic book genre took in a different kind of appreciation for the character in mainstream cinema.

What is interesting is how the now far removed Tony Stark will be able to reunite with the rest of his Avenger pals led by Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) after the events of "Captain America: Civil War." Surely, he still is with Rhodey also known as War Machine (Don Cheadle) who took in a great blow during the events of Cap's threequel, but the rest of the team seem to not have any contact with him. The release of the first trailer for "Spider-Man: Homecoming," however, gives fans a hint at what he has been up to after being left in the Avengers mansion. Thanks to the shiner he was sporting in the teaser, the audience can now have an idea in terms of the timeline with which the Tom Holland-starrer fits in. The bruise just beneath his right eye is very similar to the one he got when Bucky (Sebastian Stan) wreaked havoc in the team's headquarters, which he was also sporting during the epic airport battle sequence.

In terms of production, RDJ's statement about having a booked date to start filming dispels previous rumors that "Avengers: Infinity War" as well as "Avengers 4" have already started shooting scenes in Atlanta. The two upcoming Marvel ensemble pieces are tipped to be shot back to back despite being two different and separate narratives.

"Avengers: Infinity War" is set to debut on May 4, 2018, followed by "Avengers 4" on May 3, 2019.