Who will be writing Iron Man 3?

Variety has the answer:

Marvel Studios has tapped British TV writer-producer Drew Pearce to write "Iron Man 3," already scheduled for a May 3, 2013 release through Disney.

The hiring of Pearce comes in the wake of Shane Black being attached to direct "Iron Man 3," reuniting the "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" director with Robert Downey Jr., starring as billionaire Tony Stark and his armored superhero alter ego.

Jon Favreau had announced in December that he would not return to helm "Iron Man 3" for Marvel and Disney, which had paid Paramount $115 million two months earlier for the distribution rights to "Iron Man 3" and "The Avengers."

The first "Iron Man" earned $585 million worldwide, while this summer's follow-up generated another $621 million around the globe.

Pearce's TV producing credits include "No Heroics," "Lip Service" and "Damage Control."

-Joey's Two Cents: I was hoping Black would pull double duty, but that's just me...thoughts?

Tom Hooper was offered the director's chair for Iron Man 3?

Apparently so, according to 24 Frames:

Of all the filmmakers to see their stock boosted this Oscar season, none has enjoyed the Google-like jump of Tom Hooper. Like any director with an Oscar nomination and a $100-million hit on his hands, "The King's Speech" helmer has been wooed by numerous studios in town.

Perhaps the most interesting offer that we've heard about? It comes from Marvel and involves some shiny gizmos. According to a person who has worked closely with Hooper but who asked not to be identified because the director did not authorize this person to speak on his behalf, the Brit was offered the director's chair on "Iron Man 3," the latest installment in the Robert Downey Jr. franchise. He turned it down, and "Lethal Weapon" writer Shane Black wound up landing the job several weeks ago.

While Hooper won't be steering Stark Industries, another person who has worked closely with him said he was weighing an offer to direct "Les Miserables," a new version of the classic novel and Broadway musical set in 19th-century France. The movie, which is being developed by "Atonement" producer Working Title, is conceived as a big-budget musical.