Jeff Bridges has joined the cast of the "Iron Man" film adaptation. Robert Downey Jr. stars as armor-clad superhero Iron Man and his alter ego, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bridges will portray a confidant and close business associate of Stark, a longtime employee at defense contractor Stark Industries who plays a major role in shaping Stark's life.

Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow also star in the film which will be produced independently by Marvel Entertainment.

Jon Favreau is directing the movie and Paramount Pictures will distribute. Filming on "Iron Man" is scheduled to begin in March in Los Angeles.