Drew Pearce, the screenplay writer of Iron Man 3, told Divya Kaushik via e-mail that he has worked earlier with Marvel and wants to direct his own film some day
After creating No Heroics, a sitcom in 2007, about unsuccessful British superheroes, which was nominated for a British Comedy Award, its creator, Drew Pearce, a former musician, was contacted by Marvel, to adapt Runaways, a strip about teens whose parents belong to a crime syndicate, for the big screen. Then during 2011, he got busy co-writing the screenplay for Iron Man 3 (also with Marvel), with Shane Black. In an e-mail interaction, Drew shared his experience.
How did you begin writingIJ
I used to be a musician (with Woodchucks). The songs I wrote were becoming long and boring because I tried to tell stories in them. At some point, I realised what I had wanted all along, was to write and direct films and TV shows. I began with comedy, because its how I look at the world. And the group of people I hung out with, ended the same way. I honestly never thought it would end up here!
Where does inspiration come fromIJ
I always try and find an emotional connection to characters I’m writing. Which I think stops you from ideating in terms that are clichéd or too much like other movies you’ve seen I like to go beyond the received idea of how people should react in any given situation and find the most honest version.
Robert (Downey Jr) does the same thing, with much more skill than I ever could, in his acting instincts, and I think that’s why we’ve gotten along.
Tell us more about Iron Man 3...
It was actually a story I cooked up with director/co-writer Shane Black, and Marvel. My massive enthusiasm for Iron Man in general got me the job.
What are some highlights of Iron Man 3IJ
I’ll get shouted at if I spoil anything! But what I would say is that I hope it’s got all the things crucial to an Iron Man movie — humour, heart — as well as hopefully some ‘real world’ aspects that might make you think.
For a few seconds at least. Plus, there are surprises — and that’s rare in superhero movies these days. So don’t spoil it for people once you’ve seen it!
What is it like working on a franchiseIJ
I approach it just like any other story. The only responsibility I felt was with respect to the history of the character and the tone of the first movie that Jon Favreau set so beautifully. He told me a couple of weeks ago that we’d honoured that tone and he appreciated it. That meant the world to me.
What’s a turning point in your careerIJ
Iron Man 3 is my first movie to make it to screen. So I’m massively proud of it! I also loved Runaways and hold out hope that maybe it will become an MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) phase three movie. But there’s also a script I wrote called Shotgun, that I’m hoping to direct at some point. I feel like this is maybe the most ‘me’ I’ve managed to put into a script. They were all huge turning points in my career, though, and mean a lot!
What are your favourite comedies or entertainmentIJ
Wow — there really are too much to mention. I love British comedy — Alan Partridge, Monty Python and Chris Morris’ work — because that’s where I come from.
I adore action movies and that’s why working with Shane Black was an honour. But mostly, my tastes run pretty seventies. Whether its Three Days Of The Condor’, The long Goodbye or Annie Hall, that’s probably my go-to sweet spot these days. But honestly, I love so much, it’s hard to list here!