Captain America 3: Robert Downey Jr in talks to star as Iron Man in Civil War crossover movie

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Robert Downey Jr is in talks to play Iron Man in Marvel’s forthcoming crossover film Captain America 3.

The actor is set to play a key role that will bring the Civil War storyline from Marvel’s comic books to the big screen.

The news comes as a surprise to fans, as Marvel had no plans to make a fourth Iron Man film, with many expecting Downey Jr to hang up his suit after the second and third instalments of the Avengers franchise.

The actor is reported to earn as much as $40 million for the role, after making more than $50 million for his work in The Avengers, according to Hollywood industry title Variety.

Marvel announced its plans earlier this week to reboot the Civil War comic book series in 2015, which will introduce viewers to the story leading up to Captain America 3.

In the comic book series, Captain America is pitted against Iron Man after the US government passes a superhero registration act that sees the two heroes fall on opposite sides.

Captain America falls out with his friend Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, and forms an underground superhero alliance that pits one half of the Marvel Universe against the other.

The third instalment of the Captain America sequel is due to begin filming in May 2016.

Director brothers Joe and Anthony Russo, who helmed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, are to direct the sequel.