The third time is neither a particular charm nor the kiss of death for Marvel Studios’ robust Iron Man series, which has changed studios (from Paramount to Disney) and directors (Shane Black subbing for Jon Favreau) but otherwise toyed little with the formula that has so far generated more than $1.2 billion in global ticket sales. The inevitable franchise fatigue ― plus a markedly unmemorable villain ― may account for the feeling that Iron Man 3 is more perfunctory and workmanlike than its two predecessors, but this solid production still delivers more than enough of what fans expect to earn its weight in box office metal. more »
A recent production still from Iron Man 3 shows that movie's presumed main villain, the Mandarin, in a kind of evil Stevie Nicks "Stand Back" pose with what appears to be a translucent cape or tapestry draped from him. And right now, I'm obsessed with the text that's on it. more »
If, like me, you've been spending way too much time puzzling over the international villain of mystery known as The Mandarin, I have some clues and an out-there theory. I'll give you the information first. more »
The influential, Oscar-nominated talent whose breakout year included six roles has taken to her Facebook page to officially pass on Iron Man 3: "My schedule is jammed packed and I can't fit anything else in. The press announced my possible attachment far too soon. I know many of you wanted me to be involved, and I'm so sorry to disappoint you. Hopefully there'll be another Marvel film in my future. Shane Black and everyone on the IM3 team are really wonderful. I'm very excited to see the film when it comes out." Asked for their reactions, every other young actress in Hollywood sighed in unison, "Finally." [Facebook via ComicBookMovie]
This just in from Variety: "Ben Kingsley is in final talks to play the villain in Iron Man 3, but fans of the comic book character will be disappointed to learn he won’t take on original Tony Stark archenemy the Mandarin." Well, good. I for one am glad that Ben Kingsley will not be playing a Chinese guy. Instead, the Oscar-winning actor will reportedly play a baddie "involved in the spread of a virus through nanobots."
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Appearing over the weekend at the Los Angeles Times' Hero Complex Film Festival, Jon Favreau and surprise guest Robert Downey Jr. talked up a storm regarding their two Iron Man flicks, the Avengers movie, Favreau's work on the upcoming Magic Kingdom, and Iron Man 3, --which is being directed by Downey's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang helmer Shane Black. Favreau revealed how, despite having vacated the director's chair on the threequel, he's still helping out in front of and behind the camera.
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Writer-director Shane Black is reportedly in negotiations to direct Iron Man 3, taking over from series helmer Jon Favreau for the threequel, which is already slated for release on May 3, 2013. But hey, no pressure! Two years should be plenty of time for the guy who wrote Lethal Weapon in six weeks. Besides, Black's got plenty of qualifications that should inspire fanboy confidence. Such as:
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