We all know that Iron Man is critically and finacially successful; Most of us believe that all of the elements created a fantastic comic book film however the heart of that film, the director, apparently hasn't even been asked about filming a sequel.  According to IESB.net it's because Marvel Studio's is being cheap and don't want to give the director a "bump" in salary even though this film made over $537 million worldwide and we have yet to even see the DVD take.  "About a week ago, the IESB was tipped off by a junior source at Marvel Studios that there had been some delays with Jon's negotiations regarding the sequel.  When asked why I was told that Marvel and Favreau hadn't been able to come to terms regarding money," says the IESB. "This last Friday I was contacted by another sourse at Marvel and this one, let's just say, is much higher up on the food chain, and told me that the chairman of Marvel Studios David Maisel who has been in charge of negotiating new terms with Favreau is being cheap and not willing to pay a fair directors fee."

I'm honestly having a hard time believing this news...  If it was me I'd think that Favreau deserves a bit of a raise, a fair raise at least.  If he's asking for half of the Iron Man 2 budget then I can understand why Marvel is not buying it but I really doubt he is.  Favreau did a great job with Iron Man and I'd love to see him direct a second film as I'm sure the cast would love him to return to direct but when it comes to the buisness part of it, I really can't say anything with out the facts.  If Favreau is being difficult and wants more money then he actually deserves then Marvel has to do what they think is right but if Marvel is really honest to god being cheap.... then what the hell are they doing?  The need to get their heads out of their asses.

Favreau however says in his official Myspace blog that within the past 5 weeks, only 1 phone call has taken place between both parties.  I find it very unusal that a director to a blockbuster hit isn't even being approched for the sequel even if it's only just a couple of weeks after the premiere.  Especially with the release date for the second film, I think that both parties really need to cut the crap and get started.

-Phil