Iron Man 3 is a Sequel to The Avengers, Thor & Captain America?

While Marvel's ambitious cinematic universe will get a huge growth spurt next summer with the release of Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger, it will be the ensemble superhero film The Avengers that will determine the future of several comic book franchises. As a matter of fact, director Jon Favreau seems to already be looking into the future beyond ensemble tentpole and has some thoughts on Iron Man 3. Without mentioning any details, Favreau told MTV, "In theory, Iron Man 3 is going to be a sequel or continuation of Thor, Hulk, Captain America and Avengers." That would explain why so much of Iron Man 2 was used to set-up The Avengers. However, he's careful to point out that he's only had fleeting discussions with Thor director Kenneth Branagh and The Avengers director Joss Whedon, and that they're not even sure about the future of Marvel's universe. Favreau said, "I've talked to Kenneth Branagh. I've met the cast members. I had a conversation with Joss Whedon in passing, giving him my two cents about the film. This whole world… I have no idea what it is. I don't think they do either, from conversations I've had with those guys." And while Favreau has mentioned he'd like to include arch nemesis Mandarin in the next sequel, there's a lot of time between now and just the thought of pre-production on Iron Man 3, so anything can happen.

http://www.firstshowing.net/2010/12/06/iron-man-3-is-a-sequel-to-the-avengers-thor-captain-america/