The 7 Directors Who Should Replace Jon Favreau on Iron Man 3

"I am happy that I had the opportunity to establish the world that these characters can now play in [...] I look forward to seeing what others can do playing in the same world." Those are the words of Jon Favreau, as he leaves directorial duties on Iron Man franchise behind for good. Which director will Marvel try to lowball -- excuse me, "lure" -- into that Favs-created world for Iron Man 3? Ahead, Movieline offers seven suggestions.

(Note: These "foolproof" suggestions are predicated on the idea that Iron Man 3 actually happens sometime in the next 10 years. Also, that Robert Downey Jr.'s overwhelmingly packed schedule doesn't force Marvel to just make the third film a reboot. OK, then!)

Neill Blomkamp

The District 9 director seems like an obvious choice, if only because the third act of that film relied heavily on an alien version of the Iron Man suit. Beyond the man-in-suit histrionics, though, is the deft touch Blomkamp used on his District 9's conflicted main character. Like Tony Stark, Wikus is obtuse, repelling, annoying, intelligent, nasty and charmingly endearing; when making an Iron Man -- especially one with Downey Jr. in the lead -- those traits need to be balanced.

Spike Jonze

File this under: Everyone gets a trophy! With Darren Aronofsky (The Wolverine), David O. Russell (Uncharted), Christopher Nolan (Batman), and perhaps even Sam Mendes (Bond) all cashing in on franchise films, Spike Jonze seems to be the only member of that class of late '90s visionaries not to have his hand in a blockbuster. Let's change that. Those worried about Jonze's reputation for long and unruly shoots (see: Where the Wild Things Are) should remember that Iron Man 3 isn't coming until 2013 at the earliest. He's got over two years to figure this one out!

Jack Bender

If you believe the rumors of Marvel's budgetary concerns, then a guy like Jack Bender is your choice. His work on Lost provided the series with a cinematic sheen that few other television shows can claim, he knows his way around an explosion, and he's probably going to work cheap.

Baz Luhrmann

Think about the fun Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson could have workshopping the Iron Man 3 script with Luhrmann months before it goes behind cameras! Not Gwyneth Paltrow though; her part has been recast with Nicole Kidman.

Todd Phillips

Don't laugh: Phillips is just the type of out-of-left-field director who gets this job, if only because it's a win-win for both sides. For Marvel, it's the splashy hire they need to make up for the loss of an A-list directorial talent like Favreau; for Phillips, it's an entry into a world he was previously not invited. The dude can't make variations on Old School forever, no matter how funny they are; since Due Date featured a surprising amount of stunt-y set pieces, perhaps he's ready to graduate to the majors. That he already has a relationship with Downey Jr. -- who reportedly has final say on the director written into his contract -- can only help matters.

Clark Gregg

When Marvel first hired Favreau, he was an actor-who-sometimes-directs; now he's a director. The same could happen for Gregg. The biggest obstacle? His first and only film is Choke, which sucks. If only Sam Rockwell had final say on the director written into his contract!

Louis Leterrier

In all honesty, this is probably your Iron Man 3 director. Leterrier was at the helm of The Incredible Hulk, and did a good enough job on that one to almost convince the Marvel brain trust to hand him the keys to The Avengers. He's perfectly competent as an action director, totally forgettable, won't cost that much and seems like just the guy who would have a "third" film on his resume. He could be the Richard Marquand of Marvel.