Robert Downey, Jr., Could Be Taking On Iconic Character For Next Big Role: If So, It’s A Perfect Choice

Calling Robert Downey, Jr., the biggest star in Hollywood today is not much of a stretch, and as such, the man can basically do any project that he wants.

That said, while wasting time at work this week and reading one of those deliciously addictive list-based articles, I encountered an interesting tidbit regarding one future project that he still appears committed to — the Perry Mason series.

While there isn’t much known about Robert Downey, Jr., as Perry Mason just yet, it does appear that if the film comes to fruition, he would star. He’s already one of three producers — the other two being wife Susan Downey and Robert Cort, according to IMDb Pro (subscription required).

The film is marked as “in development” (since 2011), but the latest rumblings happened in late 2014 when Mr. Iron Man gave Reddit an idea of what to expect (via MoviePilot).

Answering a question about Sherlock Holmes 3 (also in development), he had this to say.

“Yes, we have a Sherlock 3 in development. We want it to be the best of the series, so that’s a pretty tall order. Also, Perry Mason is a property I’m looking forward to developing further, going back to the 1931 book series… similarly to what we did with the first 2 Sherlocks, mining the original material for things that are ‘new.’… The Perry Mason project we’re developing is kind of a pre-Chinatown gumshoe thriller with some courtroom stakes, and action sequences.”

If you’ve ever read any of the early novels from author Erle Stanley Gardner, then you know that what Downey, Jr., is planning for Perry Mason is absolutely faithful to the original character as was the Raymond Burr series to a great extent.

(Gardner had full creative control over the show after Hollywood botched the six theatrical features in the 1930s.)

While many would rather see Robert Downey, Jr., suit up in the Iron Man costume for as long as he’s able to walk, Perry Mason is a character seemingly tailor-made to take advantage of the actor’s quick wit and disarming charm. Also, Mason was so good at verbally tying guilty people in knots when they got on the witness stand that it would be fun to see it done through the voice and mannerisms of Tony Stark.

Whether you already knew about the Perry Mason film or not, what are your thoughts about Robert Downey, Jr., in the role? Sound off in the comments section.

[Image via Robert Reeves Law, linked above]