Iron Man: According to The Hollywood Reporter, David Hayter, whose credits include comic book films X-Men and X2: X-Men United, has signed on to rewrite Iron Man, New Line Cinema's adaptation of the Marvel Comics character.

In the comic, Iron Man's real identity is that of billionaire industrialist Tony Stark, who develops an armored suit that lets him fly and shoot repulsor rays.

The comic debuted in the 1960s, and Iron Man's origin involved Stark being a prisoner of the Viet Cong. The comic evolved into Stark fighting spies, both political and industrial, while also battling alcoholism.

Sources say the movie, which is being eyed as a franchise by the studio, will reflect a modern world climate, as well as modern technological, political and societal trends.