
Audi has joined forces with Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., for the release of the movie version of "Iron Man" due in theaters May 2, and will launch a global marketing campaign highlighting the role of Audi in the film.

Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark -- the title character in the film. His superpowers are the result of the highly versatile and indestructible high-tech armor that he developed himself. When he is without his suit, the technically-adept billionaire relies on the Audi R8.
"In addition to being a billionaire industrialist, Tony Stark is also a mastermind of invention and engineering," says Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer for Audi of America.
"The R8 is the perfect car for Tony Stark, "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau said: "It's a technological masterpiece. Plus it's fast, safe and sure to be noticed." The leading lady, Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow (Virginia "Pepper" Potts), drives an Audi S5 in the film.
"We are thrilled to have Audi contributing to our global marketing plans supporting this exciting film," said LeeAnne Stables, SVP Worldwide Marketing Partnerships for Paramount.
"Audi's creative collaboration with the studio on their campaign has resulted in a perfect meld with the movie and that's a dream partner."
"We hope this is just the beginning of our relationship with Audi as Marvel Studios goes from our first release, Iron Man, to a full slate of self- produced films," said Kevin Feige, President, Production of Marvel Studios and Iron Man producer.
"Audi was an exceptional partner, and we look forward to seeing their brand come alive on screen."
"Iron Man" also stars Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar® nominees Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges and Shaun Toub. "Iron Man" is directed by Jon Favreau from a screenplay by Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby and Art Marcum & Matt Holloway. The film is produced by Avi Arad and Kevin Feige. The executive producers are Louis D'Esposito, Peter Billingsley, Jon Favreau, Ari Arad, Stan Lee and David Maisel.
In the film, Tony Stark begins to secretly build the incredible Iron Man suit in his garage workshop. In fact, the billionaire technophile has his Audi R8 parked nearby which fits Stark's Super Hero guise very well: The slits through which Iron Man views the world resemble the all-LED headlamps on the R8; Stark's artificial heart with its ring of lights recalls the sports car's exposed mid-engine and his immensely tough armor is matched by the Audi Space Frame, the high-strength aluminum structure on which this hi-tech automobile is built.
