Robert Downey Jr. to Join 'Captain America 3' to Adopt Marvel's Civil War Storyline

Captain America 3 is still a ways off, but the latest news about the movie is huge and could fundamentally alter the landscape of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Variety reports Robert Downey Jr. is close to signing a new contract with Marvel that would kick off the Civil War storyline from the comics on the big screen. The storyline would begin with his appearance in Captain America 3 and would start a new phase for the MCU. Downey's substantial role in Cap 3 would be in addition to his role in The Avengers 3.

The site's sources say Downey's role was supposed to be small at first and would have only taken a few weeks to film, but he wanted to play a more integral role in the movie. This reportedly upset Marvel Entertainment Chief Ike Perlmutter, who demanded the writers remove Iron Man from the movie altogether. But the two sides apparently worked out the issues.

Variety reports the movie will "drive the plots of sequels and new franchises for the next seven years." Tony Stark's actions in the movie would affect the fourth Avengers movie, which could feature Ant-Man, Doctor Strange and others assembling a new team.

Downey will reportedly make $40 million for his role, plus backend.

Variety also reports the plot will stay mostly true to the source material. "The plot will pit Stark against Captain America's alter-ego Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, as they feud over the Superhero Registration Act, which forces anyone with superhuman abilities to reveal their identities to the U.S. government and agree to act as a police force for the authorities," the site reports.  "Stark supports the program, but Rogers does not, saying it threatens civil liberties, causing sides to be taken and Rogers, among others, to go on the run to avoid arrest. The moral question and battle with his Avengers teammate essentially makes Stark a villain of sorts in Captain America 3, providing Downey with a meaty role he could play out into future Marvel films, including a fourth Avengers."

What do you think of this major news? Let us know in the comments section.