Everyone is awaiting just what new writer/director Shane Black — of Lethal Weapon fame — has in store with the forthcoming Iron Man 3. From trailers, leaks and rumors, it seems that Robert Downey Jr.'s complex Tony Stark will be going through many more challenges than merely saving the world this time round.
With Black — a notably gritty filmmaker who previously directed Downey in the black comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang — on board this time, the sky's the limit for what Iron Man 3. It seems, though, that what we'll be seeing here in the States (and perhaps elsewhere) won't be the same as what they're already watching in China, where an "exclusive cut of the film" has been promised for that country's audiences.
According to The Hollywood News, Iron Man 3 had its world premiere in Seoul, South Korea on April 4 ( Downey's 48th birthday, no less), as more and more big superhero films like Iron Man 3 and the forthcoming production of Transformers 4 are using Asian countries both as production locations and for the specialized audience that clearly loves this kind of film.
Exclusive photos taken at the Seoul world premiere of Iron Man 3 can be seen via The Hollywood News report, as well.
"First of all I really want to thank the fans that came to the airport yesterday to greet me in Korea," Downey said at a press conference in Seoul, according to The Hollywood News. "I had a long flight and it was a very lovely surprise. It was like 10 o'clock and pretty late to be driving to the airport, and I just wanted to say I really appreciate it."
Downey had previously come to South Korea to promote the first Iron Man film in 2008.
"Sitting up here and we're talking about this very successful franchise, and five years ago I really had no idea if it was going to be embraced by the public or not," Downey continued. "And you know I play Tony Stark as this very brash, sarcastic and confident guy, and I can be like that a little bit, but I find myself looking at these posters and sometimes kind of like wondering how this happened. My relationship with it has been one of a kind, with increasing humility and a lot of gratitude."
Other countries where Iron Man 3 will be showing on its premiere tour include Beijing, Moscow, Munich, Paris, London, Los Angeles and New York.
Iron Man 3 will be released in the U.S. on May 3.
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