Well mainly cause of the Avengers movie, I think maybe the showing that IM gave us in that could generate some interest in IM and the 3rd movie...but I will say I'm on the ropes about it and think that superman could possibly generate more money than IM but I am going with IM to sell more than superman
IMO, Iron Man 3 will open up too $60-100 million weekend, not counting overseas, but if i did, then i think $120-180 total gross for opening weekend.. Man of Steel, IMO $75 million opening weekend, total gross if i count that then $175 million opening weekend.. In the long run Iron Man 3 will make the most money than Supes.. I believe people will flock to see Iron Man 3 especially if they feel this is the final time we see RDJ as Stark/Iron Man while I think Man of Steel will wind up making Batman Begins type dough to satiate WB into greenlighting Justice League and Man of Steel 2
I think this is based on the comic book crowd vs. the no comic book crowd - Most y'all comic people know the story line is going to be Iron Mantastic, but the the majority of people going to movie-watch are going to be the uninformed - plus Christopher Nolan is attached to "Man of Steel", albeit in a producer's role...
I say "Man of Steel." Unless the comic book readers organize some kind of beacon at theatres.
Regardless of the lacklustre of IronMan2, the marketing of the 3rd one is for a family audience, whilst what little previews we've seen of MOS, it's being marketed to a more "mature audience".
I doubt kids will be begging their parents to see MOS whilst being bombarded with all the IronMan toy-related merchandise.