Robert Downey Jr. is "happy" 'Iron Man 3' got people talking about whether terrorism is "media driven".

The 48-year-old actor - who plays Iron Man/Tony Stark in the superhero film franchise - is pleased the movie sparks discussions between kids about subjects they may not otherwise be interested in, and is "happy" the motion picture leads to debates about complex issues.

He said: "We just wanted to get to a point where kids would be asking that question when they left the theatre.

"We wanted people to be having conversations about what genetics technology could mean and - without being political - is terrorism media driven?

"I'm happy those arguments will be occurring. They're debates about entertainment."

Following the success of comic book ensemble 'Avengers Assemble' - in which Downey Jr. reprises his Iron Man role - the actor thinks his alter-ego would be delighted to have got his place in the limelight back after by starring in his third standalone film.

He added to Nuts magazine: "If I was Tony, I'd say that what I enjoyed most was being the centre of attention again! It was very good for my humility to realise that I was a part of a bigger thing in 'Avengers Assemble' and it worked splendidly."