Last week we reported that Shane Black was the top choice for the director’s chair of Iron Man 3, after Jon Favreau said ‘thanks, but no thanks’ (he’s allegedly not returning after being upset with studio interference on the second Iron Man). Now it’s become official, with Deadline reporting that Black is in final negotiations to take on the role, and is expected to sign on the dotted line imminently.
Initial reports said he was set to write the film too (he is, after all, a screenwriter by trade, having penned Lethal Weapon and The Long Kiss Goodnight), but it’s not currently clear if he’ll pen the movie or not.
While Black has only directed one movie, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, it impressed an awful lot of people, with many expecting him to become a major player behind the camera. For various reasons, he hasn’t made a film since, but with Robert Downey Jr. having starred in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and having director approval on Iron Man 3, that helped seal the deal for Black to get the job. Indeed Black’s 2005 movie helped relaunch Downey Jr’s career, so it’s not too surprising he think Shane is a good bet.
While Iron Man 3 isn’t due until 2013, Marvel obviously wants a director working on it already, to ensure it’s ready to go once The Avengers is finished and Downey Jr. is ready to get back to solo superhero adventures.