Shane Black (almost) set to Direct Iron Man 3

VAL KILMER, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., SHANE BLACK FROM "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"

Deadline.com reports that Shane Black is this: "><" close to getting signed on to direct Iron Man 3, replacing John Favreau who moved on to the Magic Kingdom - the movie that is.

It was previously reported Black to be the front runner for Iron Man 3, now the director is in final negotiations.

Deadline's source is unsure whether or not Black will be writing, but we know from the previous report he was talking with Marvel Studio execs about his ideas.

Shane Black's credits include Lethal Weapon and The Last Boy Scout, and the upcoming Doc Savage and Death Note.

Iron Man 3 is scheduled to be released on May 3rd, 2013..