Robert Downey Jr: Superhero Market 'Flooded'

Robert Downey Jr has told Sky News Entertainment Week that cinema is "flooded" with superhero movies - and he wonders how much longer the genre can survive.

The actor's three Iron Man movies have earned over £1.2bn at the box office, with the role making him Hollywood's best-paid actor.

It is rumoured he picked up £37m for the last instalment in the series.

But - while joking that he was "part of the problem" - he hinted to Sky News that he might begin to step back from the Marvel Universe.

"I think what's important, just for me, as a consumer and someone who loves movies, is to be discerning," he said.

"It's like, when can I tell that I'm just being kind of yanked a little bit and what's actually going to have merit.

"But you're right, the market is flooded. You wonder how long it can sustain itself, but right now it's what's pushing the envelope."

His latest role, in The Judge, is a radical departure from all things Iron Man and Marvel.

The film is the first to be produced by Team Downey - a production company he set up with his wife Susan.

It co-stars Oscar winner Robert Duvall as a judge who must overcome personal rifts with his son, played by Downey Jr, after he becomes involved in a police investigation over a car accident.

The movie has already been tipped for Oscar success next year - with both Downey Jr and Duvall being touted as possible nominees in the acting categories.

And Downey Jr admits the critical appreciation of The Judge has been rewarding.

"It's harder to find a market for character-driven films in cinemas, but there's a real desire for this kind of movie which is really satisfying," he said.

But it might be a return to Tony Stark next, with rumours growing that Downey Jr will reprise his role as Iron Man in Captain America 3 and a fourth stand-alone movie.

But the star refused to be drawn on any further films, saying: "I haven't made any announcement about my next Marvel movies."

:: See more of the Robert Downey Jr. interview on Sky News' Entertainment Week when Joe Michalczuk will be giving his verdict on The Judge in his film review alongside this week's other releases, Northern Soul and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

:: Also on the show, Nick Jonas opens up about hateful Twitter abuse and life as a solo artist after The Jonas Brothers and author Anthony Horowitz on his new James Bond book.

:: Entertainment Week is broadcast on Sky News on Saturdays at 3.30pm and 8.30pm and is available anytime on Catch Up TV.