Jon Favreau Departs "Iron Man" Franchise

When Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. teamed up for "Iron Man" in 2008, I don't think anyone realized quite how successful the film would become. It grossed more than $500 million worldwide, was critically praised, and brought on some huge anticipation for "Iron Man 2." While that one wasn't quite as critically acclaimed as the first, it made even more money, and had everyone wondering what the duo would bring on for a third film.

Although a third film is set for the series, one thing that will change is the director. After a bit of speculation, Vulture and Faverau himself confirmed this past week that the director will not return for the third installment.

When the news broke, the Internet started buzzing about the reasons for the split. Some claimed that Favreau's price tag was getting too high, while some others speculated that the studio forced him off the project. Thankfully, the director himself put an end to that chatter, giving some clarity on the situation through his Twitter account and in an interview with The Los Angeles Times.

Through his Twitter account, Faverau said: "It's true, I'm directing Magic Kingdom, not Iron Man 3. I've had a great run with Marvel and wish them the best."

After that, Favreau gave an interview to The Los Angeles Times, saying his departure from the film was "no snap decision or the result of fractured relations." He also stated that he Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and him remain friends, and that Favreau will stay on as a producer on ”The Avengers.”

Although this may seem like a negative move for the "Iron Man" franchise, I think it's great because it always helps to inject some new life to a fracnshise, even one that's been as successful as this. Faverau wants to work on other projects, and with "The Avengers" still on the horizon, the third film probably wouldn't be released until 2013 anyway.

I honestly am excited to see what Favreau does with "Magic Kingdom," which is about a family that gets trapped in Disneyland after hours and soon discovers that the theme park's rides and characters come to life. I think the film idea has a lot of potential, primarily because of what Faverau brings to the table.

Shooting on "Magic Kingdom" should start filming next year.

Marvel Moves "The Avengers" To the West Coast

Marvel's upcoming film "The Avengers" is easily the most anticipated film of 2012, and while it's sure to make a boatload of money, the company is looking to cut corners when it comes to production.

At first, Joss Whedon's film was to be shot largely in New York City and Manhattan, but according to Bleeding Cool the production is looking to scale back tat part of the production, and move things mainly to Los Angeles.

The New York filming will focus mostly on exterior establishing shots with the rest filmed on sound stages or CG-enhanced select locations around Southern California. Many other productions have used this tactic to represent New York, including "Castle," "Mad Men" and the final season of "24," which did a fantastic job of representing the city.

Not only is filming cheaper than shooting on location in New York, but the move significantly reduces the cost of transporting and accommodating much of the film's talent as most reside in the Los Angeles area.

While this could be seen as a negative move, I really don’t think a change of location will hurt the film creatively, which really is most important thing. In addition, I don't think there's anything wrong with keeping the production close to home at Marvel studios, as well as the fact that most of the cast and crew live in the area.

Production is still slated to kick off in February.

Jeremy Renner Possibly Fills Out Spandex for "The Avengers"

Though its been rumored for months, it now looks like Jeremy Renner is in final negotiations to play Hawkeye in "The Avengers."

According to Heat Vision, Renner was first connected to play the character in "Thor" last year, reports that were shot down as Renner was circling two other projects. Now it seems he'll finally play the character in "Avengers" when it kicks off filming next year.

Renner will play the bow-and-arrow-carrying hero Hawkeye, who--while not one of the initial members of the team when it was created in the 1960s--became an integral member soon after when the misguided villain switched sides.

Renner will join Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man/Tony Stark, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Don Cheadle as War Machine.

The Hulk may also be a character in the movie, but there is no deal that would bring back Ed Norton, who starred as the giant in 2008's "The Incredible Hulk."

While this still isn’t fully confirmed, this would be yet another dream casting choice for Marvel and “The Avengers.” Anyone who saw “The Hurt Locker” knows how powerful and amazing Renner can be, but also the confidence and bravado he has onscreen would be perfect for the Hawkeye character. Here’s hoping this works out.

Filming on 'Captain America' kicks off next month in the UK.

Kevin Feige Talks Hulk & Thor In "Avengers"

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, in an interview with SFX Magazine, says that he hopes that their upcoming "The Avengers" is more than just a "team superhero movie” and confirms that the Hulk will be in the film, reports Superhero Hype.

According to Superhero Hype: SFX Magazine's March issue features an interview with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige in which he talks more about the studio's upcoming projects and makes one fairly big reveal.

Feige talked about how "Iron Man," "Iron Man 2" (May 7), "Thor" (May 6, 2011) and "The First Avenger: Captain America" (July 22, 2011) will lay the foundation for what should be the ultimate superhero epic -- "The Avengers" (May 4, 2012).

Said Feige: "It's fun now, and we're introducing some new characters in 'Iron Man 2.' But it's not about just cramming in lots of new people; this is totally Tony Stark's story. And that's gonna weave into Thor's story, and Steve Rogers' story, and it's already ingrained with Nick Fury's story and an organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D."

He also spoke about the importance of focusing on each character, and in the process Feige also let it slip that the Hulk, a character that hasn't been as firmly linked with the film, is a definite for the project.

Said Feige: "My only concern is that when we launch a franchise, it should stand on its own two feet... So by the time 'The Avengers' comes in 2012, it's not just a team superhero movie with a bunch of characters with powers. It's three people - four including the Hulk; five including Nick Fury - who you've seen before in other movies, coming together for the very first time."

It was only a matter of time before the plot and characters of the upcoming “Avengers” film would materialize. But the great thing is, it just sounds better and better with every bit that comes out.

I think Marvel’s plan to have separate films for it’s heroes, then bring them together in “The Avengers” was just genius. “Iron Man” was fantastic, and the sequel looks like it will be an even bigger and better continuation of the story. Even though “The Incredible Hulk” wasn’t amazing it surely was better than Ang Lee’s version.

With "Iron Man 2" “Thor” and “Captain America” still looming on the horizon, Marvel should have some great box office success down the road.

Feige also mentioned the possibility of bringing back Edward Norton to play “The Hulk” in the upcoming film. Said Feige: “It's certainly our intention to use the same actors from film to film where we can."

“The Avengers” will be released May 4, 2012.