We've often heard that the movie industry prospers when the economy suffers.

We can argue about the economy at another time, but there is no denying that the movie "Iron Man" was a whopping economic triumph during its first weekend. The film, starring Robert Downey, Jr. as an eccentric billionaire industrialist who invents an armored suit to fight the forces of evil, grossed about $100 million in the U.S. and roughly $200 million worldwide -- the 10th-biggest opening of all time and a solid debut for Marvel's new film studio.

A sequel is planned for 2010, and will lead into the releases of "Thor," and "The First Avenger: Captain America," and "The Avengers."

Next month, Marvel releases a new version of "The Incredible Hulk," starring Ed Norton.

Here is a look at the "Iron Man" trailer.