Kevin Feige Discusses Happy Hogan's Key Role In IRON MAN 3

Despite not returning behind the camera, Kevin Feige says that Jon Favreau's role as Happy Hogan in Marvel's Iron Man 3 will be "by far the biggest part" that the character has had in the franchise. Hit the jump to check out the Marvel Studios President's comments.

By PaulRom - Jan 23, 2013 10:01 AM EST

Filed Under: Iron Man

We recently heard from Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige on a variety of topics concerning the studio's next project, Iron Man 3. Among them were Ben Kingsley's Mandarin, Tony Stark's (Robert Downey Jr.) big screen future, and the excellent performances from the threequel's cast. Now, during an interview with MTV News, Feige discusses the role of Happy Hogan (played by Jon Favreau, who also directed the first two Iron Man films). Despite Favreau not being behind the camera (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang's Shane Black is taking over directing duties for this flick), his role as Stark's bodyguard will not be watered down. "This is by far the biggest part that Happy has had in any of the films," says Feige. "He's just great in this."

Feige also reveals that Hogan has a deeper storyline in Iron Man 3, as well as more of a connection to Stark and that he steals some "amazing" scenes. "When you put Jon in front of the camera, he tends to steal every scene he's in, just by reading the scripted lines, but also by going off-book and ad-libbing with the best of them. He's got some amazing scenes that he steals. But there's a deeper storyline for Happy in this one, and more of a connection with Tony. The movie goes into why they've been friends for all these years." He also confirmed that Favreau shot his scenes "very early in production". "It was wonderful for Shane, because he had Favreau right there, sitting next to him," says Feige. "Shane was not shy about going over and asking Jon questions, whether it was as simple as, 'How do I navigate this giant green screen?' Or if it was a question about the character and the franchise. Jon is incredibly gracious and incredibly conscious with other filmmakers to not step on their toes. At the same time, he gives advice and input when he's asked."

Finally, Feige calls Favreau's involvement a pleasure, and says that the third Iron Man feels like a natural progression of the series' storyline. "It's been a pleasure having Favreau involved. It feels like a natural evolution and a natural continuation of the storyline, even behind-the-scenes, in the making of the movie. It's not a right turn from where we started."

Iron Man 3 stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, Jon Favreau and Sir Ben Kingsley. The film is set to hit theaters May 3rd this year.

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27 Comments

REDSTORM - 1/23/2013, 11:16 AM

He'd only be banging Pepper if Rudy Ruettiger introduced him to her.

tonedawg217 - 1/23/2013, 11:22 AM

Anyone else think Happy gets killed in this movie?

ManofSteel23 - 1/23/2013, 11:23 AM

the film would of been missing something if happy wasnt in it,im happy that he agreed to be in this film

JatevinM - 1/23/2013, 11:31 AM

I feel like Happy may die.

shamo - 1/23/2013, 11:39 AM

shit casting. Happy ain't fat.

soberchimera - 1/23/2013, 11:42 AM

He is so gonna die.

JayTopStix - 1/23/2013, 11:52 AM

I hope he dies. In a good way

ATrueHero1987 - 1/23/2013, 11:57 AM

Question: Wonder if Thanos will have a quick cameo in IM3? After all, he first appeared in Iron Man....40 years ago.

FirstAvenger - 1/23/2013, 12:00 PM

Lol batz. happy's, cool.

ROBBEATZZZ - 1/23/2013, 12:00 PM

He's gonna be the FREAK!..eventually

Fogs - 1/23/2013, 12:03 PM

Well, that almost confirms he'll die. I don't see another "deeper storyline" possible.

BrotherQStark - 1/23/2013, 12:06 PM

Happy gets damaged somehow, death? Maybe. Can never get enough Iron Man news. I think Aldrich Killian will make a move on Pepper

Durf - 1/23/2013, 12:19 PM

Nice, I'm glad that he's going to get a bigger role in this. I get the bad feeling that he will die though.

Glad Favreau decided to come back and is being helpful to the production

@yoss: LMFAO, I'm dyin' over here!

vtopa - 1/23/2013, 2:35 PM

Happy's toast. Just look at Shane Black's other films. Key people always die (maybe it'll be Pepper). No one is safe!

blvdnoise - 1/23/2013, 3:28 PM

@NPa I got that same vibe..

MatioShack - 1/23/2013, 3:28 PM

Yeah, Happy's a goner. He's got enough familiarity for his death to have an emotional impact on the viewers while still being small enough part of the plot where losing him doesn't derail the story. Perfect candidate for a future corpse.

REMIMARKS - 1/23/2013, 5:16 PM

Yup Happy is definitely gonna die. Jon Favreau will no longer be involved with the Iron Man franchise so there's no reason for him to stick around. His character was never important in the first two movies. So killing him off is the best wat for Favreau to move on.

ahhmynuts - 1/23/2013, 7:00 PM

@NP good find

im guessing happy sacrifices himself are tries to lead the mandarin and co. away from tony by using some weak version of the arc reactor as a decoy. mandarin probably uses some locator or tracking device that locks onto the arc reactor or what he thought was the only arc reactor in tony. first thing that popped into my mind lol

CharlesLord - 1/23/2013, 8:07 PM

this shall be epic

chuckg313 - 1/23/2013, 8:17 PM

He deserves credit for being so humble returning as happy even though hes not directing.....

mgeoff88 - 1/23/2013, 9:30 PM

I don't want Happy Hogan to be killed off, but it does seem like it's going to happen.

At least Jon Jon Favreau will have a big role in IM3 before he leaves the franchise.

gaikinger - 1/24/2013, 1:52 AM

buh-bye Happy, buh-bye.

Kevin Feige Discusses Happy Hogan's Key Role In IRON MAN 3

Despite not returning behind the camera, Kevin Feige says that Jon Favreau's role as Happy Hogan in Marvel's Iron Man 3 will be "by far the biggest part" that the character has had in the franchise. Hit the jump to check out the Marvel Studios President's comments.

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