Robert Downey Jr. transitions from his superhero suit in Marvel's The Avengers and Iron Man 3 to a traditional suit and tie in a first look photo from The Judge. The actor portrays a powerful Chicago defense attorney, who must return to his hometown to defend his father (Robert Duvall) in a murder case. Take a look at the first image from director David Dobkin's upcoming drama, then read on for more details from Robert Downey Jr. himself.

The Judge Photo

Robert Downey Jr. revealed that his character has been at odds with his father for some years, since he is seen as a pillar of the community although he runs his household like a dictator. The actor reveals that he first comes back home for a funeral, but stays when his father is accused of intentional vehicular manslaughter.

"Against his own instincts and desire, he ends up staying to defend his dad from what may or may not be an intentional vehicular manslaughter case. His father is a pillar of the community. Everybody knows a dad like the judge. Every community has one, and every family has either heard of or been under that kind of patriarchy. It's this very American story. But it's also a story about family, and reconciliation, and law, and justice."

This project is the first that will come out of Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey's new Team Downey production company. When asked what type of "brand" she wants to create with the company, Susan Downey had this to say.

"If the type is good, that's the brand I'd go for. Our storytelling is character-driven but on a commercial level. We wanted to do something outside the big movie tentpole projects."