In 2007, Ringgold-based author Dan Jolley was given the opportunity superhero fans the world over would spit on Superman’s cape for: to see the script for the “Iron Man” film a year before it bowled over movie audiences.
With the release today of “Iron Man II,” Jolley, 38, revealed how he kept himself from spoiling the plot months in advance while writing the film’s teen novelization, his initial reactions to the film and his thoughts on the sequel.
QWas it hard to keep all the “Iron Man” plot spoilers to yourself?
AWell, I’ve often wondered how celebrities … who know details about things like this can keep themselves from talking about it. Then, I saw the nondisclosure agreement I had to sign, and it said, “If information about this project is leaked to the public, it could cause the studio significant financial damage. If you are found to be responsible for the leak, you will be held responsible for the financial damage.”
There was no specific figure named; it was up to them to say, “We think you cost us $50 million,” and I don’t have $50 million lying around. That was the kind of incentive I needed not to say a word to anyone. (Laughs.)
Q”Iron Man” ended up being a huge success. When you first read the script, what were your thoughts?
AAt the time, I wasn’t sure exactly how it was going to go. If you track down my novelization, you will find there are a lot of scenes in it that didn’t make it into the film. The director and editors really streamlined it a lot. I didn’t know how it was going to turn out until I saw the movie, but obviously the movie was really good.
QWere you approached to write the novelization for the sequel?
ANo. They got somebody else for that. They have a pool of authors, and they fling assignments in some arcane fashion I don’t understand. I have lots of other stuff on my plate, though, so that’s fine.
QWhat are your thoughts about “Iron Man II?”
AI’m really excited to see it. The trailer looks amazing. I grew up reading “Iron Man.” In fact, a copy of “Iron Man” was the first Marvel comic I ever saw.
I think the experience is different for someone who is familiar with the mythology behind the character as opposed to someone who just walks in off the street not knowing anything. Seeing all the in jokes, the things to make fans happy, I might like it for reasons that other people might not like it.