'Iron Man' stirs up change at Marvel

Blockbuster causes ripple in executive ranks

Maisel joined Marvel in 2003 and was named chairman of Marvel Studios last year.

He is credited with having set up Marvel's film initiative and securing a $525 million loan to finance the effort. He serves as an executive producer on both "Iron Man" and company's second self-financed and produced pic, "The Incredible Hulk," which Universal will distrib June 13.

Maisel also serves as exec VP and a member of Marvel's office of the chief executive.

Before becoming chairman, Maisel served in various roles at the company, including exec VP, corporate development; vice chairman of Marvel Studios; and prexy and chief operating officer of Marvel Studios.

He's also held senior management roles at Endeavor, CAA and Disney.

Feige joined Marvel in 2000 and was named prexy of production last year.

He served as producer on both "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk" but has also been involved in nearly all of Marvel's licensed pics, including the "X-Men," "Spider-Man" and "Fantastic Four" franchises, either serving as an exec producer or co-producer.

He was an associate producer on the first "X-Men" pic while working for Lauren Shuler Donner and Richard Donner at their Warner Bros.-based shingle.

"The leadership (Kevin) brought to 'Iron Man,' specifically in the casting, creative development and production areas was stellar," Maisel said.

Internally, Marvel Studios has "Iron Man 2," "Thor," "The First Avenger: Captain America," "The Avengers" and "Ant-Man" in development, while "The Punisher: War Zone" and "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" are being produced by Lionsgate and Fox, respectively.