Iron Man Q & A w/Jon Favreau from his Myspace site!

[echostation]

did u ask him about Winston?

 

[ultimatefan]

Great stuff. Favreau really seems to have a good grip of the material. I´ll agree with him that CG actually tends to land itself better to technology stuff than it does to organic/live things.

 

[Advanced Dark]

^ Yes I asked about Winston. He responds at odd hours. Sometimes late at night. I haven't linked him to this thread yet but I will when it's at 10 pages.

 

[RAMORE]

great stuff i'm gonna have to go on their and ask some questions myself

 

[Advanced Dark]

Posted: May 15, 2006 10:59 AM

ZebWrote:
I have a couple of questions.



Would you ever consider Mandarin for an Iron Man sequal?



Will there only be one villain in the movie or more than one?



Will we get to see some form of his classic original gray clunky suit?


Jon Favreau:

1. If we use Mandarin, it would not be "Mandarin the magical Asian mystic who found a flying saucer."
2. Not sure yet.
3. Yes

Posted: May 15, 2006 11:06 AM

Ben CunWrote:
Hello,



1. I was watching the 1st Season of Dinner for Five yesterday (I live in England so that **** was hard to come by) and you were saying how you and Vince Vaughn have very similar sensibilities, will you be collaborating with him at all on this project? Do you chat to him much? I'm a big Swingers fan, so my dream is that you'll one day collaborate again. Sorry, Iron Man...



2. That was 2 questions before wasn't it,



3. Pierce Brosnan for Tony Stark? I started a seperate topic on this one, just wondered what you thought, if you're allowed to say



4. What do you think of The Ultimates Iron Man costume? Tony made one for the Black Widow, which was pretty cool too.



5. And what do you think of The Ultimates? if anything. I'm always interested to hear opinions on it. I avoided the whole strand for ages cos I thought it was a bad idea or something, but then Mark Millar wrote Ultimates 2 and that ****'s too good to ignore.



Thanks for you time. You're so ****in' money and you don't even know it. Maybe you do? I dunno.



Jon Favreau:



1. We do chat quite often. I did a role in his new film The Break-Up.
3. Don't know yet. We have had no formal casting discussions yet. We will wait for a script. You can't really approach anyone about doing a film without a script.
4. I like the Granov one better. I do like a lot of the details though. More robotic.
5. I prefer the traditional stories. They're so different, it's hard to incorporate both.

Posted: May 15, 2006 11:11 AM

RichWrote:
Jon, one thing that can cause problems in superhero movies is when you can't see the hero's face. You lose the expressions. This was evident in Spiderman with the Goblin. Dr. Doom was a little troublesome, also.



In Spiderman 2, they made an effort to get Tobey's mask ripped off a bunch and they seemed to do that in Batman Begins also.



I'm just afraid ol' Shellhead will be just that, a shell.



Any thoughts to altering the facemask or helmet? Maybe something that would disguise his features but allow for detail of some kind?


Jon Favreau:

You've identified an issue that I also feel is extremely important to address. I have some ideas about how to overcome the "Power Rangers" issue without sacrificing the traditional look of the character and costume. I don't think it wise to go into these ideas which are pure specultion at this point. Know that we share the same concerns

Posted: May 15, 2006 11:13 AM

bill(y)Wrote:
god, just checked out adi granov's myspace page. i've always been a big fan of his stuff.



is he gonna be involved with iron man?



Jon Favreau:

I'm a fan as well. I think you will be pleased in the direction we are going.

Posted: May 15, 2006 11:22 AM

BryanWrote:
How have you considered how the public (the public portrayed in your movie) would react to a completely iron-clad hero (without knowing his identity or him having recognizable facial features)? Might I suggest (even knowing how ridiculous) Verhoeven's "Robocop"? I probably can't, though it was fun and serious at the same time.


Jon Favreau:

If you check out previous interviews you will see that I too see an opportunity to incorporate a Robocop influence in Iron Man. I don't think that Verhoeven's tone, however, would serve this material as well. Remember, IM is not patrolling the streets of the future disarming muggers. IM is set today in a more geopolitcal landscape. We have to find the proper tone which is appropriate to the story we are telling.

Posted: May 15, 2006 11:25 AM

SeanWrote:
Stupid spell check.

I meant the other facial hair that isn't a beard.

Will he have that?


Jon Favreau:




Don't know yet. It depends on who we cast and what looks better. If we could pull off the Errol Flynn moustache without looking like John Waters, it would be great. I suspect the Van Dyke is more likely at the end of the day.

Posted: May 15, 2006 11:35 AM

adrianWrote:
Mr. Favreau thanks for being so humble and kind to all (even the crazy/looney ones) fanboys.


1. Could you please read my opponion on how the story could be (located on Jon's story suggestion). Tried putting a few of the other fans ideas into it with a little Tom Claney style, modern day Popular Science tools and tone. Note spelling and grammar are NOT my strengths!LOL


2. If you like the direction of the story? Maybe a start?


THANKS AGAIN for just listening and the fans know IM will no doubt kick @ss, good luck!!!


Yeah, Nice mustache and goatie! Dude you could play Tony Stark if you slim down a wee bit.


Jon Favreau:


I gotta be honest, that whole "Story Suggestions" thread is getting a little dense. It's getting tough to even skim it. I am impressed with how much thoughtful and specific input the fans have, but right now I'm trying to break the story with my producers and writers. The suggestions from the thread are usually much too specific to integrate in the process. It started with stuff like "I'd like to see an origin story, " or "you should set it in the Persian Gulf." It somehow grew into shot suggestions and plot outlines. I'm happy to see that my instincts and those of the fans tend to line up more often than not but, don't misunderstand, this isn't an internet story contest. The thread was created to keep all those posts in one area so that you could all compare your thoughts.

More to come...

 

[echostation]

cool thanks... no news about Winston yet eh?

 

[Advanced Dark]

He skipped over those. I think he was working backwards. I'll check now.

 

[echostation]

cool... it's either that or he's purposely avoiding the question i wonder which it'll be

 

[dpm07]

This is a really great thread. Thanks for putting it together, Advanced Dark.

 

[Advanced Dark]

Posted: May 9, 2006 5:49 PM

Instant KarmaWrote:
1) Will we only be seeing one Ironman suit in the movie or a variety of them? Will the suit go through an evolution during the movie or is that for sequels?



2) Are we going to see the Sentient Armor at all, or maybe allude to it?



3) Steady love interest or is Stark a total *****-hound?



4) Jon Favs as Happy Hogan?


Jon Favreau:


1. We plan on more than one look.
2. You want it all in the first movie?
3. Read the books. What do you think?
4. I better start working out. I look more like Foggy right now.

Posted: May 9, 2006 5:54 PM

JoshWrote:
Did doing Zathura make you want to do more action/sci-fi movies?



Will you shoot green screen or on real sets?



josh

Jon Favreau:


1. Yes
2. A combo, most likely.

Posted: May 9, 2006 5:53 PM

AndrewWrote:
Would you prefer a well known actor or an unknown for IM?


Jon Favreau:

Still discussing it. Not sure yet. There are a lot of good well known actors. We are by no means required to use a star to get this movie made. We'll do what's best for the film.

Posted: May 15, 2006 5:21 PM

SIDEWORK - The Comic BookWrote:
Hey Jon-



1.) Are you gonna be attending the San Diego Comic-Con in a couple months to get the PR ball rolling on the Iron Man film?



2.) I don't have another question, it just seems you're more apt to respond to questions that are numbered.


Jon Favreau:

1. I just might.
2. Really?

Posted: May 15, 2006 5:25 PM

MatterWrote:
hi jon



my main question i guess i have is, is this movie going to be a strict Ironman movie or are we going to see the Avengers make an apperance as well? Also are you planning on using a lot of CGA, and it's only my personal view, but i really think peple over the years have gotten to CGA happy, hi the Incredible hulk?? I think some of the best done movies out there are the one that took the time to use actual props and costumes and then used CGA only when needed, ex. Spiderman and X-men.


Jon Favreau:

1. Just Iron Man. No Avengers. Perhaps someday.
2. I agree that CGA(CGI?) is overused. It's funny that you give Spiderman as an example of a film that showed proper restraint in its use of CGI. It has more CG than any film I could think of.

Posted: May 15, 2006 5:27 PM

MatterWrote:
one more quikie, before i have to goto meet with my scene partner

are we looking at doing this movie from the "first suspense" comic book where ironman made his first appearance?



Jon Favreau:

Yes. We will tell the origin story that keeps with the Tales of Suspense mythology. I prefer, however, the Extremis flashback's take on it.

Posted: May 15, 2006 5:30 PM

TerminalHamsterWrote:
Are you planning on the suit being a weapon primarily?



I mean in the real world you hear of two different kinds of powered suit in development, performance enhancers for soldiers and suits to aid the sick/disabled.



Ironman was kinda both.



How do you see the suit? Weapon with medical abilities?, medical aid with defensive abilities?



Jon Favreau:


A weapon system with medical abilities

Posted: May 15, 2006 5:32 PM

KennethWrote:
Hey Jon,



First, thank you so much for responding to the fans questions, you may have noticed how passoniate we Iron Man fans are and its a pleasure to see you reach out and interact with the fans.



My first question, is that its great that your a Adi Granov fan, do you see yourself using his armor design in the movie?



My second question is in regards to the armor and actor, I realize you may have answered this question already, as a fan I don't want a half mask or some plot device that forces Stark to lose his face plate during the climatic battle, revealing his secret identity, do you have any ideas how you will show the actors emotion even with the helmet on during these fights?





Thanks again


Jon Favreau:




Don't worry. I get it. Yes to Adi, no to the Judge Dredd mask syndrome.

Posted: May 16, 2006 9:17 AM

CodyWrote:
Hi, Jon



1) As a director in general do you prefer shooting digital or film?



2) In terms of Iron Man will there be any reference to the other Marvel films like the newspaper being called the Daily Bugle or something of that sort?





Thanks allot, hearing that you are directing Iron Man has been some of the best movie news I've heard in a long while.


Jon Favreau:

1. I just shot using the Genesis and I prefer it to film. We'll see omn this one. Don't know yet.
2. Hopefully nothing that trivializes the story. Then again, maybe Foggy will represent him in court.

Posted: May 16, 2006 9:21 AM

?Question of Heaven?Wrote:
1)what age range are u gonna be looking for when casting stark? u want the fresh pretty boy, or the hardened pretty boy 30-40 man?
2)with a most likely PG13 rating, how much of stark's drinking and other less than heroic characteristics will be shown? For example, we lossed druggie harry osborn in spidey 2 and only got him sipping 1 drink and acting drunk, and he was the villian in a sense. will we see the hero drink? Ironman's faults make him the man, the sit makes him iron.


Jon Favreau:


1. Over thirty, I suspect.
2. Alcoholism didn't play a huge role until later in his career and should not become too much of a factor in the first film. This has nothing to do with the rating.

Posted: May 16, 2006 9:30 AM

MikeWrote:
Jon





1) In more than one word, how big of an Iron Man fan are you? (Myself would be: read IM since age 8, own every issue, favorite comic character next to Batman. Have a Iron Man replica in my house...no I don't wear it.)





2) Do you plan to use the Extremis armor in all its glory: the armor fused with Tony's body (gold layer stored in hollows of his bones, control of armor tied into his nervous system, etc.) with him connected to the world's computer/communication systems? Or are you interested in it only because of the way it looks? Or will you save such a progression for the sequel?





3)Does your ability, as a director, to work comfortably with an actor determine the chance that actor has to get the part? i.e. I would think working with Ron Livingston would be more comforatble than Tom Cruise for you.








4) Off IM, I'm a huge fan of Dinner for Five. Do you take requests from fans on your guests?





Thanks!





Jon Favreau:




1. Honestly, I wasn't that big of a fan. I loved him as an Avengers fan younger. I was more of a Hulk/Wolverine guy. I don't know what that says about me as a kid. I have been doing twenty years of catching up and he's really growing on me. I think his character/flaws are more suited for an adult reader. Kids like his toys. Adults like who he is and what he's dealing with. I'm glad his is the story I will tell.

2. I love the look, though the biological element takes away from the suit's original conceit. It begins to verge on Tony being superhuman. I will use the more tradional approach. No Extremis serum.

3. No. All things being equal, though, I prefer working with a friend. If I like the guy I'm more likely to cast him. Life's too short t work with difficult people.

4. There's a Dinner For Five group where you can post suggestions.

More still to come...

 

[Advanced Dark]

Posted: May 16, 2006 9:34 AM

Ben CunWrote:
Hi Jon,



You answered my questions yesterday and for that I'm very grateful. It warmed my heart.



Anyway, I have some more and if I'm being greedy then tell me to go away. Or say nothing.



1. Have you thought about the soundtrack at all, I guess it's difficult without a script, but are you thinking Spiderman, Batman style atmospheric stuff? Or rock (bit of a cliche now isn't it)? Or a collection of songs that you're familiar with?



I personally think you should use the Swingers soundtrack for every one of your films. Iron Man blowing **** up to the sounds of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy would be genius!



And please don't use Evanescence.



2. How much control do you actually have on this project. I mean, I've seen people mailing you with recommendations for effects companys and stuff. Do you actually choose this stuff? I guess it depends on the studio and the producers and stuff.



3. On the day you found out you were the Iron "Man" did you sleep well or badly?



4. You were the best thing about Daredevil. Even though Foggy's dead, would you consider helming a sequel if you were offered it? Matt Murdock's such a great character.



5. Money or Monet? Think about it.



Love



Ben


Jon Favreau:


1. That's the last thing you decide. Probably a combo.
2. The producers and I decide that stuff together. It's as much control as you can hope for.
3. Well. I finally knew what my life would be like for the next two years after six months of maybes on John Carter of Mars.
4. No.
5. Money.

more still...

 

[Rac]

This stuff is great. I just hope people wont grill him like Zak Penn and Simon Kinberg about X3 (though those people deserve it if X3 really is as bad as it looks like).

 

[Advanced Dark]

I'm been throwing little jabs at him here and there to please take Ben Affleck out of his mind...completely. I know he's friends with the guy so I'm being nice about it. LOL

Just asked him the Stan Winston question again.

 

[echostation]

bam, if he's avoiding that question, my scoop could be on the money

 

[Ironfan72]

I love his answers, he's very honest and understanding and patient with the fans, just hope I didn't irriate him with the face plate question, I'm sure he's been getting alot of crap about not having Tony's faceplate fall off during the fights,lol.

 

[TheVileOne]

I totally agree with Favreau about the alcoholism thing. I wish the morons on the group would get over the alcoholism and realize that its not part of the origin story.

Demon In A Bottle isn't a story that happened until years later. You don't cram alcholism into the first movie.

 

[Advanced Dark]

^ I'll leave the origin story up to those who know. I have no clue about Iron Man's origin or who's the right villain.

Oh and don't worry I won't give up on the Winston question.

 

[Ironman24]

Got to give him major props, he answers them all, I like the fact that he's a fan of the Extremis armor, one of my favorites, he will be staying fairly true to the origin, which is nice.

 

[IronMan_2005]

I'm been throwing little jabs at him here and there to please take Ben Affleck out of his mind...completely. I know he's friends with the guy so I'm being nice about it. LOL

Just asked him the Stan Winston question again.

He said he wanted Ben Affleck as Stark? But he was already Daredevil

Affleck could've worked as Tony Stark, he has the whole "tall, dark handsome" thing going, but too bad he already played Daredevil.

 

[Ironman24]

He said he wanted Ben Affleck as Stark? But he was already Daredevil

Affleck could've worked as Tony Stark, he has the whole "tall, dark handsome" thing going, but too bad he already played Daredevil.

I agree, he would have worked before Daredevil, but now audiences are going to see him and say, "isn't he that guy from daredevil?",which would take away from him playing Stark.
It was ok, when Rebecca Roman Stamos did it for X-Men and Punisher, she was in make up on X-Men, so audiences who didn't put two and two together and accepted it,don't think they would do the same for Affleck.

 

[Advanced Dark]

^ No he never mentioned Affleck but the new picture on his forum shows an Iron Man image that looks like Affleck. LOL I was just being pre-emptive

 

[Rac]

No, no! Not Affleck as Stark! (Cruise is no-no too.)

 

[InkSlinger]

^ I'll leave the origin story up to those who know. I have no clue about Iron Man's origin or who's the right villain.

Oh and don't worry I won't give up on the Winston question.

From what I remember (and I had an original copy that my MOM threw out!) Tony was in a POW camp circa Korean War and was being held for ransom or as a war criminal, being a weapons manufacturer etc., by a Korean/Cambodian POW Camp Commandant. He had shrapnel wounds from a land mine explosion which was probably how they got him. One of his fellow prisoners was an Asian scientist who was a war dissenter of that particular gov't. He was a genius and helped Stark built the chest plate to save his life. In the process, they secretly built it into a full fledged suit of armor and weapon that would help them escape. Because of the primitive POW camp facilities, the Iron-Man armor looked more like a medival boiler than the sophisticated red and gold suit that eventually came out. Of course, in the escape, the Asian scientist got killed and Tony destroyed the camp while setting the other prisoners free. He had roller skates, no repulser powered rocket boots. (So much for 40 year old memories.)
I'm sure there was a reprint of the origin somewhere when Iron-Man was in Amazing Stories, or whatever that title was. There was no Mandarin or any other super villian. Just plain old Sino-American political/industrial greed at work.
It worked because it was as close to real as you could get.
I'd like to see something like this for the origin.
THEN come out with the baddest kick-ass super-sophisticated high-tech armor that imagination and CGI can come up with.
I'd rather have Affleck than Cruise.
Personally, I think an unknown would be better.
No expectations, no disappointments.
KnowwhutImean?

 

[echostation]

Mathew Fox!

And my personal favorite actors for the role are EION BAILEY... THIS GUY HAS TONY STARK WRITTEN ALL OVER HIM:

or Anson Mount!

 

[RAMORE]

not to both of those.