This is terrible news! I was so looking forward to see Andy Lau in “Iron Man 3,” sharing screen time with Robert Downey, Jr. and fighting crime. Alas, it won’t be so.

According to Want China Times, Lau turned down his role in “Iron Man 3” for personal reasons; he intends to spend more time with his wife and newborn daughter. As an aside, the paper also reported that Lau is 50 years old–I never would have guessed he was 50! I know 50 is supposed to be the new 30, but he looks so young!

Congratulations to Lau on the birth of his child; hopefully someone will be able to fill his very impressive shoes when it comes to the “Iron Man 3” role he gave up. According to the Want China Times, the film’s producers told the press in Shanghai Tuesday that one of the Chinese male roles will be filled by an actor over the age of 40 with “strong English skills.”

Two such people who could fill those roles, according to the Want China Times, are Chen Daoming (“Hero”) and Wu Xiubo (Chinese television drama “Before the Dawn”).

You can read more about the film and the possible actors cast at the Want China Times. Who do you think should fill Lau’s role? Write your opinions in the comments section below.