Shane Black is in final negotiations to take over the director’s chair of Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3. Black will be taking over for the departing Jon Favreau who launched the studio’s superhero franchise in 2008.
As of a week ago, Black was reported to be emerging as the front runner among a handful of directors with whom the studio were meeting. But Deadline is now reporting that the studio has made their choice in Black, at least for the director’s position. Deadline is also reporting that whether Black will also be scripting the film has yet to be “figured out.”
There is little doubt that Black is an excellent choice for the job. He earned his chops as a screenwriter on such films as Lethal Weapon and Lethal Weapon 2 becoming one of the highest paid writers of the 1980s and 90s. He also has a relationship with Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr, having directed him in his directorial debut Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
Marvel has Iron Man 3 set for a May 3, 2013 release.
