Iron Man 3 in 2013

Hollywood Reporter:

Heated expectations for the opening gave us knots in our subject, a relieved Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige conceded Sunday.

"But what untied those knots was watching the film with a paying audience," Feige added. "It really was an indication to us that they're still with us for this ride."

A franchise three-quel is expected to hit multiplexes sometime in 2013.

"We do have a contract with Robert Downey Jr. to do it, and it will come after 'The Avengers,' " Feige confirmed.

Paramount is set to unspool "Avengers" -- an ensemble superhero actioner featuring "Iron Man" and other Marvel characters -- on May 4, 2012.