Robert Downey Jr.: ‘Iron Man’ Sequel in ‘Tweaking Stage’

Robert Downey Jr. celebrated his second chance at a career last night with “Sherlock Holmes.” He was a happy man, who also toasted his Dad ‘ director Robert Downey Sr. ‘ who’s back after an illness.

Junior was aglow not only about his recent success in “Iron Man” and the premiere of “Sherlock,” but also about his father. “We don’t burn out, us Downeys, we just take breaks,” said Robert.

Robert Senior is the famed director of “Putney Swope” and and several other early indie films. He told me he’s got a new script that he’s just finished and almost has the financing in place. He’s also got Alan Arkin and a couple more actors ready for filming it. Mostly, though, at 73 he looks like he’s in good shape and grateful to be back on track.

As for Robert Junior, he told me that “Iron Man 2″ is shot and wrapped, but the work has just begun to polish the Jon Favreau-directed sequel that also features Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke, and Sam Rockwell. “The last one was so good, this one has to better,” Downey told me. “Everyone will be gunning for us this time.” Downey also told me that he’s proudest of the work he did on “Due Date,” a Todd Phillips road comedy he just finished with Zack Galfianakis and Michelle Monaghan.

Meanwhile, the “Sherlock” premiere buzzed with Bruce Willis showing off wife Emma, Eva Mendes quietly sitting in the audience with a female friend; plus Matthew Modine, Matthew Settle, and “Soprano” Vincent Pastore hidden in the crowd. Director Guy Ritchie brought along son Rocco, who’s his spitting image. Co-star Jude Law made a quick swing through the Metropolitan Club, then dashed out, begging off early because he was appearing on “Good Morning America” the next day.

The gala was also notable for being the last of the season and boasting at least ten of New York’s most famous party crashers. No one knows the names of these people, we just call them by their physical description. At one point, the older lady with the short gray hair and patchwork jacket got a big plate from the buffet and plopped down at the main table with co-star Eddie Marsan. She ate in peace, unfettered, while various stars and execs flowed around her. Soon she was joined by the young version of Professor Irwin Corey, a guy who told me he “wrote about the theater.” There were plenty more. Someone should make a movie about them!