Pro: Favreau effectively started the Marvel Studios machine with "Iron Man." The success of that film is one of the key reasons Disney decided to acquire Marvel. Favreau may have indie roots, but he knows how to make a smart and broad commercial adventure flick that doesn't insult its audience. That's no easy skill.  Favreau is also developing the live-action "Magic Kingdom" for Disney so they are clearly fans.  Speaking of fans, Favreau is a hero in the genre community and would reassure many the franchise was in very safe hands.

Con: The "Swingers" star stumbled with his genre-mixing tentpole "Cowboys and Aliens" last summer. And while the confusing marketing might not have given "Aliens" the best chance at theaters, the fact is the movie just didn't work. 

- Gregory Ellwood