London, May 7 (ANI): Robert Downey Jr has signed on to star in the sequel to his new movie 'Iron Man'.

Marvel Studios has confirmed that the actor will be returning as the lead in the sequel, that will hit theatres on April 30, 2010.

The movie took in 102.1 million dollars in its opening weekend, and Kevin Feige, head of production for Marvel Studios, credited Downey Jr for much of the pic's success.

"It's great to see a sold-out audience that you know is made up of comic book fans and people who had never read an Iron Man comic in their life," the BBC quoted him, as saying.

Riding on its success, Marvel also said that Marvel said it will roll out "Thor" on June 4, 2010, and "The First Avenger: Captain America" on May 6, 2011.

In the movie, Downey Jr plays a billionaire industrialist who invents a hi-tech suit of armour that transforms him into a superhero. Gwyneth Paltrow played his personal assistant. (ANI)