In an interview with Empire Magazine, Robert Downey Jr. had a lot to say about his upcoming Marvel projects, particularly "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Captain America: Civil War."

On his decision to continue with Marvel, Downey discussed his genuine interest in Marvel's direction and his own timeline: "At this point it ceases about being about announcements of contracts and deal points and Forbes and all that... I also recognize that I'll be turning 50 by the time I promote this movie ["Civil War"]. The clock is ticking down on the amount of memories and participation that I would allow myself and not embarrass the medium with. And when they pitched it to me and when I had a couple of ideas and when they said we like those ideas, let's do those."

When asked if he considered Tony Stark the antagonist of "Civil War," he responded, "I wouldn't put it that way. Ultimately it's Steve's story; it doesn't say 'Iron Man 4: Civil War.' I think that's great too. I think Chris [Evans] has been hungry to bring even more of an underside and some shadow to that."

Downey also shared his thoughts on J.A.R.V.I.S.'s new role as Vision in "Age of Ultron." "Everybody has to pay their pound of flesh," he joked, in reference to the grueling special effects process. "And for Bettany, they did a number on him with this absolutely awesome Ultron look, and it also reminded me of the times when I've been in special effects make-up. The very first thing he had to do was perch on the end of a precipitous ledge and stand up at the right time with the wind blowing and look right down the barrel, and 20 other things were happening, and it was like, 'Yep, welcome.'"

"'Age Of Ultron' feels like a beginning and an ending," Downey said.

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" hits theaters on May 1. For more on Downey's role in "Captain America: Civil War," his thoughts on Joss Whedon's departure and other topics, check out the full interview in Empire Magazine.