Robert Downey Jr., Graphic Artist-Slash-Renaissance Man

'Chef' movie poster: a Robert Downey Jr. original
'Chef' movie poster: a Robert Downey Jr. original

As though the world needed any more reason to adore Robert Downey Jr., it looks like the big screen superhero has been holding out on us all with a pretty useful talent hidden up his sleeve — a knack for graphic design.

Yup, it turns out RDJ is something of an artist, and a solid one at that. He decided to put his skills to good use making posters to help promote his latest film project — Jon Favreau's "Chef," which opens the SXSW Film Festival on Friday in Austin, Texas.

In a video tweeted by Favreau, Downey launched into some of his signature devilish humor with: "I don't want to ruin the plot for you, but..." Then Favreau finished his thought, joking, "There's a truck on a giant fork in the movie."

Favreau, who wrote, directed, and stars in the flick, flaunted RDJ's unique designs (some of which will be signed by the Iron Man himself).

"This is called 'Breaking Through Spiritual Materialism'," Downey said wryly while holding up a more psychedelic-looking poster exhibiting his original design.

Favreau was quick to point out that it's not the official movie poster, but "just something for the festival that we've done for the fans."

Downey chimed in: "Good luck beatin' these."

The posters, most of which feature a food truck perched on a giant fork, pay homage to the film's plot, which follows Favreau's character Carl as he ditches a cushy restaurant position over creative differences and starts up an all-new profession as a food truck owner.

Downey appears in the movie — which reunites him with his former "Iron Man" and "Iron Man 2" director — alongside Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson (his "Avengers" castmate), John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, and Dustin Hoffman.

His posters, Favreau explains in the vid, will be distributed at the SXSW screenings of the film and "at certain key restaurants."

"I'm gonna get on Twitter [@Jon_Favreau], and while I'm down there in Austin, I'm going to take pictures of some locations and we'll tuck these signed posters away, and I'll tweet 'em out," he explained. Now, there's a reason to give the guy a follow, eh?

"By the way," RDJ added, "get ready to have your mind blown. 'Chef' is an incredible bit of entertainment. I thoroughly endorse it."

We shouldn't be too surprised to learn of RDJ's secondary skill-set. He has displayed all kinds of other gifts over the years: like that time he performed with Sting (see below) and nailed it (yes, he sings and has made an album), or when he whipped out his best bit of Gangnam Style over in South Korea... with his fly down (see below at the 1:09 mark).


We also can't forget his own little claim to fame: "I don't need an Iron Man suit. I'm already a weapon of mass destruction."

Yes you are, sir.

And finally, never forget: Downey is also an expert at eyelash batting:

"Chef" enters theaters (outside of SXSW) on May 9.