Corona | Coming Attractions

Hero Complex, the online geek HQ for the Los Angeles Times newspaper, conducted a live chat with Iron Man director Jon Favreau. Naturally the subject of the sequel came up and numerous questions were asked about what's going on it with it. Favs answered as best as he could in a non-spoilerish way.

• On the subject of making the 2010 release date: "The date is daunting. We are making much faster progress than the first time around and have much less to design and fewer casting issues. I am confident that 2010 is achievable if we continue working together as we have for the past few months. It has to be great, though. It has to be great."
• On consulting with Matt Fraction, the current writer of Marvel's Iron Man comic book: "We flew him out to LA to discuss story. He's a great comic writer. Also, love Adi's art. He will work on the movie's designs."
• On bringing back Nick Fury in the sequel: "Shield is important to the franchise, and what is Shield without Fury?"
• On Stark's alcoholism from the comic book being used in any future movies: "Stark has issues with booze. That's part of who he is. I don't think we'll ever do the Leaving Las Vegas version, but it will be dealt with."
• On what kind of villains will fit into any sequels: "I think we need some version of 'classic villians' in these movies. Many don't hold up well to time and to the big screen, but their essence should inspire the characters."
• And then there was this possible hint dropped by Favreau when asked about if he would consider bringing in a female adversary from the comics like Madame Masque: "Female villain...Now there's an interesting notion."
• On Tony coming out of the superhero closet: "Iron Man is indeed a celebrity. He announced who he was and we have now officially departed from the standard scret ID superhero. Tony was already famous before the announcement. What would really happen if this went down? Fun to explore."