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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