“Iron Man” director Jon Favreau had plenty to say about the film future of Marvel’s armored hero during a live, online Q&A session with fans, including some hints about the storylines that will drive “Iron Man 2,” the characters — both good and bad — that could make an appearance, and how he feels about the other big superhero movie that hit theaters this year.
“Mandarin is still an important figure in the Iron Man universe,” wrote Favreau during the live chat hosted by the LA Times’ Hero Complex blog. “We have an interesting take on him that allows us to incorporate the whole pantheon of villains. The whole 10 Rings thing in [‘Iron Man’] was a good tease for it.”
As for the storyline of the “Iron Man” sequels, Favreau wrote that Tony Stark’s decision to reveal his identity at the end of the first film would drive the plot for following films.
“The sequel is shaping up to incorporate Tony’s vision for the future,” wrote Favreau. “What happens after he says ‘I am Iron Man?’ … He announced who he was and we have now officially departed from the standard secret ID superhero. Tony was already famous before the announcement. What would really happen if this went down? Fun to explore.”
Favreau seemed to downplay the likelihood that future films would touch on Stark’s famous “Demon in a Bottle” battle with alcoholism, writing, “That’s part of who he is. I don’t think we’ll ever do the ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ version, but it will be dealt with. ”
Fans should expect to see more of Samuel L. Jackson and his portrayal of S.H.I.E.L.D. chief Nick Fury, too, as Favreau told one participant in the chat, “[S.H.I.E.L.D.] is important to the franchise, and what is S.H.I.E.L.D. without Fury?” Along with Fury, several participants asked about a potential appearance by another fan-favorite character, War Machine — to which Favreau responded, “We need War Machine. Agreed. Shoulder cannons and all.”
Finally, Favreau had quite a bit to say about collaboration between filmmakers helming the slate of Marvel Studios films for the next few years, writing, “I think it’s important for all filmmakers working for Marvel to collaborate so there is a consistency in the films, so yes they should keep in touch.” “I had not been in touch really with Louis [Leterrier] during ‘Hulk’ and I think that would have been helpful,” he added. “I hope to be in contact with directors in the future.”
“Now that Marvel is making its own movies, every movie has to fit into the Marvel universe. The Avengers incorporates not just Iron Man, but Thor, possibly the Hulk and traditionally Captain America as well,” continued Favreau. “As it is, it’s scheduled ‘Thor’ will come out the same summer as ‘Iron Man 2’ and ‘Captain America’ will come out a few months before ‘Avengers.’ All the films have to come together to create a consistent universe. That’s very important to everyone involved.”
