According to CinemaBlend via Deadline, the news has been made official that Shane Black will be the director of “Iron Man 3”.

It was reported earlier that Black was one of the few directors Marvel Studios looked at to direct the next installment of the Marvel franchise due to Jon Favreau deciding to change over to Disney to direct their 2013 film “Magic Kingdom”.

Since Black originally made his mark in Hollywood as screenplay writer (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” “Lethal Weapon” series, “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” “The Last Action Hero”, etc.) and has only directed one film, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, it is uncertain at this point whether or not Black will write the script for “Iron Man 3”. But, the most interesting thing about Marvel hiring Black is that, according to Deadline, the film “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” not only starred “Iron Man” lead Robert Downey, Jr., but also helped relaunch his career. So, it seems fitting that Black would be able to work with Downey again.

Some of Black’s other projects include directing an adaptation of popular manga series “Death Note” for Warner Brothers and to look over a script project with his “Doc Savage” cohorts Charles Mondry and Anthony Bagaraozzi.

“Iron Man 3” is expected to be in theaters May 3, 2013.