Because of my (seething) rage, I almost neglected this part of that article.
This essentially means that Robert Downey Jr. will continue to be part of the Iron Man franchise (whether he continues on suiting up in the armor or not) and Marvel in general beyond his role in the next two Avengers films and extending up to 2019.
Robert Downey Jr. has become a consultant to Marvel.
You know who else is a consultant? Tony Stark.

(via iwantcupcakes)