Iron Man filming in January with unknown in the lead!!

[Spider - Man]

And he says he'll start with the gray armor then move to the modern one!

http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/artic...03/story.jhtml

[3dman27]

could someone print the item links don't seem to work much for me since our computer was upgraded

[POWdER-man]

05.23.2006 12:07 PM EDT

Have Doubts About The 'Iron Man' Movie? Jon Favreau Wants To Hear Them


Director reveals film details, takes suggestions from fans of the comic hero via MySpace.

Typically, the announcement of a big-budget blockbuster is followed by months (if not years) of avoidance. Stars, directors and producers dodge questions like jury summonses, fearing that they could reveal fan-angering character updates,

The star of "Swingers" and director of "Elf" and "Zathura" was recently handed the keys to the next great superhero franchise, a highly anticipated adaptation of the five-decades-strong "Iron Man" comic series (see "Marvel Hires Hollywood Heavyweights For Slate Of Superheroes"). Now a few weeks into his new gig, the lifelong comics fan is battling questions with a weapon that even Tony Stark might hesitate to unleash: honesty.

"The questions are coming on the Internet," a grinning Favreau reported this weekend. "I've got a MySpace group set up just to discuss the movie, so I welcome the input."

Favreau is making himself available to diehard fans of the gold-and-red superhero, who will step in front of a movie camera for the first time at the beginning of next year.

"It's the first movie Marvel is self-financing," he said of a new deal that frees the makers of the "Spider-Man" and "X-Men" movies from studio control. "We're set to come out in the summer of '08, and we'll start shooting in January."

Favreau insisted that he's eager to construct his movie using input from the fans — because he is one himself.

"I remember watching the Iron Man cartoons when I was younger," Favreau revealed. "I remember reading the origin stories and some of the Silver Age stuff, and I read 'The Avengers' — 'The Defenders' and then 'The Avengers,' and that sort of brought me into 'Iron Man.' "

"It was later when [Marvel Studios CEO] Avi [Arad] approached me to work on this and we discussed [the history of the character]," he continued. "And then I did a lot more research, and really learned everything that has happened in the last 40 years."

Created in 1963 as an anti-communist hero, Iron Man originally played off national defense concerns and technological advancement themes of that period. The hero's alter ego is (with the exception of occasional fill-ins) Tony Stark, an American industrialist billionaire living out a Bruce Wayne-type life of privilege. His virtually impenetrable armor allows him to soar through the air, possess superhuman strength and unleash everything from repulsor beams to magnetic fields and holograms. Iron Man's suit has constantly changed with the times, a technological evolution Favreau is making plans to portray.

"We're gonna have it take place in the present day, but there will be an origin story that has the old, gray Iron Man suit; eventually it will progress into more of the modern look," Favreau said. "That's the fun of doing the first one."

Favreau is clearly having plenty of fun putting the project together. Recently on his MySpace page, the director posted the film's "first preliminary image." It was a stick-figure sketch by his 4-year-old son, Max.

Acknowledging the darkness of films like "Batman Begins," the director said that Iron Man can get gritty with the best of them. Indeed, Tony Stark's struggles have included alcoholism, bankruptcy and even homelessness — themes he'd likely tackle in sequels.

"The alcoholism doesn't come into play until later on in the story of Iron Man," he said. "[The comic] started off in the '60s, where it was about him as a successful manufacturer who developed this suit. Then, later, it spins off into that story about him fighting against himself. I think we're going to lay the groundwork for it, but the first one's going to explore him taking on this alter ego of Iron Man, and developing the suit, and what happens politically within the Stark Corporation."

Mentioning an eventual "Iron Man 2," Favreau said that actor playing Tony Stark for his franchise is unlikely to be a major star (Tom Cruise was briefly attached to the role years ago). Instead, the director hopes to announce his discovery of a relative unknown from the Brandon Routh ("Superman Returns") mold later this year.

"What's nice is that those movies don't require an expensive star; Iron Man's the star, the superhero is the star," the director insisted. "The success of 'X-Men' and 'Spider-Man' without being star-driven pieces reassures [executives] that the film does have an upside commercially."

"I don't know that a movie like 'Daredevil' did better for having Ben Affleck then 'Spider-Man' did having Tobey Maguire, who was a relative unknown at the time," Favreau said, citing the Man With No Fear dud that he co-starred in alongside Affleck. "It gives you a little bit of latitude, because there's a lot of money that goes into getting that face on the poster."

Instead, the director (who reunites with friend Vince Vaughn in next month's "The Break Up") said he'd rather take those Affleck-level dollars and selectively distribute them on the look of his film. "I'm of a generation of director that came up understanding special effects," he insisted. "I don't throw the same amount of money [around] as some of the older generation directors who are just learning about it. There's a way to be scrappy, is what I'm trying to say. There's a way to get a lot for your money nowadays. There are a lot of talented people in that field, so I'm not concerned about it."

In the months to come, Jon Favreau will be putting those carefully managed Marvel dollars toward a solid script, some young stars and an "Iron Man" movie out to launch the next great superhero franchise. "It's really been a wonderful experience working on the script, and we're going to start talking about actors soon," Favreau added.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, concerns or comments about the details you read, this is one Hollywood star who is refreshingly eager to hear them. "I'm on MySpace," he offered with a broad smile. "Just search for 'Iron Man Movie Group' and I'm on there, answering questions."

— Larry Carroll, with additional reporting by Jeff Cornell

Here you go...

[Ironfan72]

He is awesome, thats all I can say, he does listen to the fans, myself included, he's answered several of my questions, and I've loved everything he has said.
I completely agree that Iron Man doesn't require a huge star for the role, I realize there are group of people who feel Tom Cruise should star, and thats fine, but Marvel has done a great job of finding the right actors to play the parts, Hugh Jackman, Toby Maguire are excellent reasons why one doesn't need the biggest stars to make a great movie.

[BT18]

I just take issue with the notion Tobey Magure was an unknown, "relative" or not. He was a clearly rising, high B-lister, pretty much on the cusp of A.

He had Wonder Boys, The Cider House Rules, Pleasantville, Deconstructing Harry, and The Ice Storm under his belt already. Which were mostly very widely seen (even if it was post-theatrical to varying degrees). Pleasantville and Ciderhouse were award-bait/fairly arty movies that together grossed about 100 million in US theaters.

[DBM]

Sounds like he's got a great grip on what needs to be done. I can't wait for this.

[dpm07]

Originally Posted by DBM

Sounds like he's got a great grip on what needs to be done. I can't wait for this.

I agree. Good point.

[Hiruu]

Originally Posted by BT18

I just take issue with the notion Tobey Magure was an unknown, "relative" or not. He was a clearly rising, high B-lister, pretty much on the cusp of A.

He had Wonder Boys, The Cider House Rules, Pleasantville, Deconstructing Harry, and The Ice Storm under his belt already. Which were mostly very widely seen (even if it was post-theatrical to varying degrees). Pleasantville and Ciderhouse were award-bait/fairly arty movies that together grossed about 100 million in US theaters.

Yeah, Tobey was hardly an "unknown" at his time of selection, as you clearly pointed out, and while it allows some leverage on the first film, it makes for tough dealings on the follow-on films. All of a sudden, actors get back spasm and have other commitments..etc etc.

Now, wrt to Iron Man, I've been screaming for Tom Cruise for years, but i certianly understand if Favreau wants a fresh face, just so long as he's doing it for the right reasons. Comparing Daredevil to Spider-Man had less to do with leading role, then with the script. Given Tom Cruise's age, a Iron Man film with him would have to be more flashback then a true origin story, as with Spider-man. I'm keeping an open mind until I see some fruits of his labor.

[deathshead2]

I still can't see why people want Tom to be ironman I just can't see it.

[Hiruu]

Originally Posted by deathshead2

I still can't see why people want Tom to be ironman I just can't see it.

Personal taste...he's one of my favorite actors, and the most interesting portion of Tony Stark's life was his tortured soul period, with him in the wheel chair, so I just compare that character to Cruise's character in born on 4th. Nothing more than my personal peference, so if you're not a Cruise fan, that okey dokey with me. also, when Iron Man was languishing, Cruise's addition would have jump started the project, but Marvel seems to be taking the lead on the project, so Cruise's addition isn't as important, but it would be nice. Like him or not, the guy is an international superstar and his movies have worldwide appeal and huge b.o. success, so marvel is going to need that level of success on their first in-house project to ensure a level of confidence with Wall Street. Now, do they HAVE to add Cruise, certianly not, but it wouldn't hurt. Anyway, it's just my fanboy's 2 cent.

[deathshead2]

Originally Posted by Hiruu

Personal taste...he's one of my favorite actors, and the most interesting portion of Tony Stark's life was his tortured soul period, with him in the wheel chair, so I just compare that character to Cruise's character in born on 4th. Nothing more than my personal peference, so if you're not a Cruise fan, that okey dokey with me. also, when Iron Man was languishing, Cruise's addition would have jump started the project, but Marvel seems to be taking the lead on the project, so Cruise's addition isn't as important, but it would be nice. Like him or not, the guy is an international superstar and his movies have worldwide appeal and huge b.o. success, so marvel is going to need that level of success on their first in-house project to ensure a level of confidence with Wall Street. Now, do they HAVE to add Cruise, certianly not, but it wouldn't hurt. Anyway, it's just my fanboy's 2 cent.

I never liked crusie way to over the top for my tastes allways acts the same in every movie, I mean IM acts crazy alot put not all the time which is the way I would see Tom playing him crazy.Which I don't want.

[ampersand]

I can't wait to see the grey armor on screen. That part made me very happy.

[deathshead2]

Originally Posted by ampersand

I can't wait to see the grey armor on screen. That part made me very happy.

I wonder if it wil be the huge armor or possible just a little bit smaller. Well can't wait for the first pic of the armor. Also I hope they make him a alcoholic so for IM2 we can possible get the demon in a bottle story.

[ampersand]

Originally Posted by deathshead2

I wonder if it wil be the huge armor or possible just a little bit smaller. Well can't wait for the first pic of the armor. Also I hope they make him a alcoholic so for IM2 we can possible get the demon in a bottle story.

I hope it's big and bulky. As close to the comic version as possible (I understand it won't be exact because the thing has to actually move)

I wouldn't mind seeing the Ultimate Iron Man armor on screen either.

[deathshead2]

Originally Posted by ampersand

I hope it's big and bulky. As close to the comic version as possible (I understand it won't be exact because the thing has to actually move)

I wouldn't mind seeing the Ultimate Iron Man armor on screen either.

I hope its large as well to show that its a prtotype. Also it would be funny to see the reaction from the people who fight him. Seeing this large crappy armor then all of a sudden BOOM there asses are handed to them.

[Casius--J]

Sounds good man he really does want to make a great iron man movie, i just hope that it will be the case.

[ToddIsDead]

I have high hopes for this movie at this point. It should be good.

[War Lord]

Unknown must really be a fantastic actor, because he's connected with so many movies.

[Ronny Shade]

I am morbidly concerned over this project. I think its going totally in the wrong direction.

[ToddIsDead]

You're like the only one

[Gladiator]

So far, this is sounding very promising.

And just so you all know, Jon Favreau is listed to be on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight. Hopefully he'll have something to say about IM.

[Gold Samurai]

Originally Posted by deathshead2

I still can't see why people want Tom to be ironman I just can't see it.

It was a shock to me to open up the Ironman Extremis story line and find Tony stark to be drawn like a certain couch jumping star >.>

Originally Posted by POWdER-man

Instead, the director hopes to announce his discovery of a relative unknown from the Brandon Routh ("Superman Returns") mold later this year.

Haha "the Brandon Routh Mold" makes it sound like he's a WB robot

"introducing the all new 2008 Brandon Routh with enhance Emo features"

[Sava]

sounds great :u:

[Philly Phanboy]

Great news.

Will they now target this for late next summer? It seems strange to make the movie at the start of 2007 and then release it in 2008.

[ultimatefan]

Originally Posted by BT18

I just take issue with the notion Tobey Magure was an unknown, "relative" or not. He was a clearly rising, high B-lister, pretty much on the cusp of A.

He had Wonder Boys, The Cider House Rules, Pleasantville, Deconstructing Harry, and The Ice Storm under his belt already. Which were mostly very widely seen (even if it was post-theatrical to varying degrees). Pleasantville and Ciderhouse were award-bait/fairly arty movies that together grossed about 100 million in US theaters.

I think Favreau just means that Maguire wasnt nearly as well-known as Affleck was when he did Daredevil. Affleck was in Armaggeddon and Sum Of All fears, to name a coupe.

Oh, and I resent the "award-bait" comment on Pleasantville, which to me is one of the most thoughtful and original movies of the past decade, in some aspects superior to The Truman Show.