Iron Man 3 To Be Co-Produced In China

The Walt Disney Company China, Marvel Studios and DMG Entertainment announced the intention to co-produce Iron Man 3 in China. Under the arrangement, DMG Entertainment will make an investment in the production of Iron Man 3, manage the Chinese co-production process, and jointly produce the film in China. The Chinese portion of the film’s production will run through DMG Entertainment in coordination with Marvel Studios’ production and creative teams. DMG will also distribute the superhero film in China in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company China.

Iron Man 3 will be the third movie in the billion-dollar plus franchise from Marvel and will see the return of Robert Downey Jr. (as billionaire playboy Tony Stark), Gwyneth Paltrow (Pepper Potts) and Don Cheadle (James “Rhodey” Rhodes). The film is being directed by Shane Black.

“The popularity of the Marvel franchise globally creates a huge opportunity to deliver fans yet another action packed film,” said Stanley Cheung, Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company, Greater China. “The co-production of IRON MAN 3 in China is testimony to the importance of this audience to Disney and the local industry capability to deliver a blockbuster title,” he added.

“We look forward to working alongside DMG to bring Iron Man to the Chinese marketplace in a significant way. We are confident that Marvel’s stories will continue to be enjoyed by Chinese audiences, and adding a local flavor, and working with our new local partner, will enhance the appeal and relevance of our characters in China’s fast-growing film marketplace” said Rob Steffens, General Manager of Operations and Finance for Marvel Studios.

Shooting for Iron Man 3 is expected to commence in May in the United States and begin location filming in China in late summer 2012.