Nick Cassavetes to Direct New Line Cinema and Marvel's 'Iron Man'

Nick Cassavetes to Direct New Line Cinema and Marvel's 'Iron Man' Marvel's Avi Arad and Angry Films' Don Murphy to Produce LOS ANGELES, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- New Line Cinema and Marvel Studios, a division of leading global entertainment company Marvel Enterprises (NYSE:MVL), have signed Nick Cassavetes ("The Notebook," "John Q") to direct the highly-anticipated big screen adaptation of "Iron Man," based on the legendary Marvel Super Hero. The film is scheduled to be a 2006 tentpole release. The project, which is being produced by Marvel Studios' CEO Avi Arad ("Spider-Man," "X-Men") and Angry Films' Don Murphy, is based on a script by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, and David Hayter. The studios will begin casting immediately. "This is an ideal situation because Nick is a tremendous talent with a passion for the material, and we have had such incredible success working with both him and Marvel in the past," said New Line production president Toby Emmerich. "Teaming up again to launch a franchise as promising as 'Iron Man' is very exciting." Arad added, "Being able to work with such an acclaimed writer/director as Nick Cassavetes to bring one of our pre-eminent Super Hero franchises to the big screen is really special. Nick grew up reading 'Iron Man' and personally loves the character. He shares our vision of how to bring 'Iron Man' to life in a way that will appeal to a mass audience as well as the core Super Hero fan base. This deal with Nick marks the perfect way to launch our second big Marvel franchise with New Line, a studio that we have enjoyed a great relationship with in building the Blade character into a Hollywood heavyweight." Based on the long-running Marvel comic book series, "Iron Man" tells the story of Tony Stark, the enigmatic heir to the Stark Enterprises fortune. A driven inventor and executive who seems to have it all, Tony is haunted by his dark side. Though he commands his empire by day, by night he secretly becomes "Iron Man," the living embodiment of decades of defense spending and innovation. Strapping on billions of dollars worth of state-of-the-art armor and weaponry each night to fight crime, terrorism and corporate espionage, Tony begins to crack under the strain of his fractured lifestyle and must ultimately confront the one enemy he can never beat -- himself. "Iron Man" marks the continuation of New Line's successful relationship with Marvel, which was initiated with the studio's hit adaptation of "Blade" in 1998. New Line built on the initial film's success with the release of "Blade II" in 2002, and is set to release the third installment of the franchise, "Blade: Trinity," on Dec. 8. Cassavetes' relationship with New Line has also proved to be a profitable one in recent years. His last directorial effort, "The Notebook," was one of this summer's biggest hits at the box office. He also directed the 2002 hit film "John Q" for the studio and is currently in production on the drama "Alpha Dog," which features an ensemble cast including Bruce Willis, Justin Timberlake, Sharon Stone and Emile Hirsch. Marvel has an impressive track record when it comes to translating its renowned Super Heroes to the big screen with such blockbusters as "Spider- Man," "Spider-Man 2," "X-Men," "X-Men 2," "Daredevil," and "The Hulk." The company is also currently in production on the much buzzed about adaptation of "Fantastic Four," which hits theaters July 1, 2005. Emmerich is overseeing "Iron Man" for New Line along with the studio's senior vp production Stokely Chaffin, vp George Waud and creative executive Jeff Katz. Spearheading the production for Marvel Studios are Kevin Feige and Ari Arad. About New Line Cinema Corporation: New Line Cinema is the oldest and most successful independent film company in the world. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, licensing, merchandising and international marketing and distribution. New Line is a pioneer in franchise filmmaking and its Oscar-winning "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is the most successful film franchise in history. Together with its subsidiary, Fine Line Features, New Line is a unit of Time Warner. About Marvel Enterprises With a library of over 5,000 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL), is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused in four areas: entertainment (Marvel Studios), licensing, publishing and toys (Toy Biz). Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, DVD/home video, video games and television based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including apparel, toys, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel's characters and plot lines are created by its publishing division, which continues to expand its leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Iron Man, Tony Stark, Spider-Man, X-Men, Daredevil, The Hulk and Fantastic Four, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. (C) 2004 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark. For further information, please contact Candice McDonough of New Line Cinema, +1-310-967-6991. Source: New Line Cinema CONTACT: Candice McDonough of New Line Cinema, +1-310-967-6991 ------- Profile: International Entertainment