Iron (Writer) Man: Theroux Gets Sequel Script Nod

Justin Theroux ponders life as a triple threat. 

The Iron Man 2 pieces are falling into place. Variety is reporting that actor turned actor-writer Justin Theroux will write the sequel to the big superhero hit of the summer (okay, first big superhero hit of the summer–we know what looms this weekend). Meanwhile, Marvel is supposed to be nearing a deal with director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. to return for another round of Man in the Metal Suit fun.

Theroux is known onscreen for his work in movies such as Mulholland Drive and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (now there’s a study in contrasts) and on TV in  Six Feet Under and John Adams. He wrote and produced the upcoming, much buzzed about comedy Tropic Thunder (something which no doubt will help in bringing Downey on board) and directed last year’s Dedication (but I won’t hold that against him).

Writing credits for the first Iron Man went to Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway. So either Theroux did something very right with his idea for the second movie, or all four of the above did something very wrong. Or maybe Marvel just wanted some fresh blood.

I like Theroux as an actor and I’m looking forward to Tropic Thunder, so this all sounds pretty good to me.

Oh, by the way, Marvel isn’t confirming any of this. So if you meet anyone from Marvel Studios, ask what he/she thinks of Justin’s Iron Man 2 script and watch the nerves manifest themselves.