''Iron Man 2'' Already In The Works, Other Comic Book Favorites Follow

On the heels of Iron Man's success, Marvel Studios already has the wheels in motion for a sequel, along with a long list of other comic book themed flicks already in the works.

According to the Associated Press, Marvel Studios announced yesterday (May 5) that it will release Iron Man 2 on April 30, 2010, following the major box office victory of the first film. As previously reported, Iron Man pulled in nearly $200 million worldwide last weekend; making a little over $100 million in America alone.

Starring Robert Downey, Jr. as a billionaire weapons designer who builds himself a high-tech metal suit to fight bad guys, Iron Man exceeded box-office expectations, coming in second only to the first Spider-Man for debuts among non-sequels.

Four other films based on Marvel superheroes were also announced. Thor due out June 4, 2010; The First Avenger: Captain America on May 6, 2011; The Avengers (which will consist of a rotating roster of Marvel heroes, including Iron Man, the Hulk, Ant-Man and Thor) in July of 2011; and Ant-Man, which is in development but has no release date.

Hoping to get in on the summer blockbuster craze, The Incredible Hulk, starring Edward Norton, will be released next month on June 13 and closing out the year will be Punisher: War Zone, which is set for release on December 5.

Downey's character, Tony Starks, will make an appearance in The Incredible Hulk and the Hulk may also make an appearance in Iron Man 2, Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel said during a conference call.

"In controlling our destiny, we can control where the characters are and we can have our movies connect and be in the same universe," Maisel said.