Jon Favreau Returning to 'Iron Man 3' -- as an Actor (Exclusive)

Jon Favreau isn't directing Iron Man 3, but he'll be present on the set.

our editor recommends

Jon Favreau Talks 'Iron Man 3,' Praises Joss Whedon for Avengers and Leads 'Revolution'

Box Office Preview: 'Men in Black 3' Set to Dethrone 'Avengers' With $200 Million Worldwide Bow

Iron Man Tops Thor in 'Avengers' Toy Tally

Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Favreau has closed a deal to reprise his role of Happy Hogan -- the bodyguard-sidekick to Tony Stark/Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr. -- in the Marvel Studios threequel.

PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of Marvel's 'The Avengers' 

The movie began shooting Wednesday in North Carolina under the direction of Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). It's the first production for Marvel in the aftermath of the billion-dollar success of The Avengers.

Iron Man 3 will feature returning co-star Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts and a slew of newcomers: Rebecca Hall, Guy Pearce, Ben Kingsley, James Badge Dale and Ashley Hamilton.

Favreau directed the first two Iron Man movies; he appeared as Hogan in a cameo in the first movie and played an expanded part in Iron Man 2.

VIDEO: 'The Avengers' Premiere Red Carpet Interviews 

It is unclear how big the role is in the third movie, but having Favreau return as Hogan seems like a sign of solidarity on Favreau and Marvel’s part and an endorsement of Black.

Email: Borys.Kit@thr.com

Twitter: @Borys_Kit