Iron-Man 3: Jon Favreau out!

Written by: Gary M. Kenny, CC2K Comics Editor

Jon Favreau via twitter: “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.”

Jon Favreau , director of Iron Man 1 & 2 just told the Los Angeles Times Hero Complex that he optioned to work on making Magic Kingdom for  Disney (Marvel’s parent company) rather than helm Iron Man 3.

Iron Man 3 (also rumored to be a direct sequel of The Avengers ) is part of the Marvel Franchise that has pulled in $1.2 billion in worldwide grosses, revived the career of Robert Downey Jr. and has established Marvel Studios as a serious player in the movie business. So why would Favreau walk away? Favreau states: “(I want to) blow people away, which is easier to do with a project that isn’t loaded with built-in expectations.” “Marvel and I both came of age together. … The years that we shared were a pivotal experience. Kevin Feige has a firm grasp on the many franchises and how they all interweave and I am happy that I had the opportunity to establish the world that these characters can now play in…. Iron Man has given me tremendous opportunities and Kevin and I are enjoying a lot of momentum in our careers thanks to the Iron Man films. I look forward to seeing what others can do playing in the same world.”

Favreau is staying on as a producer of The Avengers plus he considers being good friends with Marvel Studios executive (Kevin Feige) should imply that the relationship between Marvel Studios and Favreau are in good standings.