'Iron Man' Star Makes 'Soloist' a Duet

Zap2It.com | August 28, 2007

Robert Downey Jr.

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Robert Downey Jr. joins Jamie Foxx in the drama

Robert Downey Jr. will join Oscar winner Jamie Foxx in the heartwarming triumph-over-adversity drama "The Soloist."

Set up at DreamWorks, the project is being directed by Joe Wright ("Atonement") from a script by Susannah Grant ("Erin Brockovich").

"The Soloist" is based on a 12-part series of columns by Los Angeles Times scribe Steve Lopez. Foxx will play Nathaniel Ayers, a cello and violin prodigy who ended up homeless and schizophrenic on the streets of Los Angeles, but never lost his dream of playing with the L.A. Philharmonic.

Variety reports that Downey will play Lopez, whose relationship with Ayers forms the backbone of the film.

Production will begin in January.

Most recently seen in "Zodiac," Downey has "Charlie Bartlett" on tap for release later this year. The "Chaplin" Oscar nominee will make a big splash next summer playing Tony Stark in Marvel's big screen version of "Iron Man."