Jon Favreau has left Marvel movie bosses desperately searching for a new director to take charge of Iron Man 3 after turning down an offer to direct the project.
Favreau helped to create a hugely successful film franchise, starring Robert Downey, Jr as the comic book superhero, after directing the first two installments and bringing in profits of over US$1 billion.
No explanation has been given for the moviemaker's decision to walk away from a planned third movie, although Favreau recently signed on to bring Disney ride the Magic Kingdom to life on the big screen.
However, he will still act as a producer on upcoming The Avengers film, which will see superheroes Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk and Hawkeye come together in one big blockbuster.
WENN.com