Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

'IRON MAN 3' Dominates Summer Box Office at Halfway Mark

Posted Saturday, June 29, 2013, at 11:57 PM

Photo credit: Marvel Studios

July 4, a date synonymous with actor Will Smith over the past 17 years, marks the halfway point of the summer movie season. But July 4, 2013 will come and go with Smith's "After Earth" flop bringing in a paltry $57 million domestically.

"Iron Man 3" was the first of the Summer Blockbusters to hit theaters back in May, and at the mid point of the summer Tony Stark and company remain champs of the 2013 box office. "Iron Man 3" is the second Marvel film to eclipse $1 billion worldwide, with over $1.2 billion. "The Avengers" (2012) still holds the top spot with over $1.5 billion.

Apparently Tony Stark aka actor Robert Downey Jr. is the new king of summer. And with the success of the latest "Iron Man" sequel, Marvel Studios has come to an agreement on terms for Downey Jr. to star in both "The Avengers 2" and "The Avengers 3."

Downey Jr. had been holding out for more money for both himself and reportedly his superhero cast. While details have not been released, rumors have Downey Jr. pulling in a salary well north of $100 million for both "Avengers" sequels.

"He is Iron Man," said 'Avengers' director Joss Whedon. "He is Iron Man in the way that Sean Connery was James Bond. I have no intention of making 'Avengers 2' without him, nor do I think I'll be called upon to do that. I don't think it's in my interest, Marvel's interest, or his interest, and I think everything will be fine. But I know that this is Hollywood and you roll with things. You have to be ready for the unexpected. But I loved working with Robert, and everybody knows he embodied that role in a way no one else can."

Check out how the other summer blockbusters are stacking up worldwide:

"Fast and Furious 6" $669 million

"Star Trek Into Darkness" $432 million

"Man of Steel" $422 million

"The Hangover Part III" $325 million

"The Great Gatsby" $313 million

"Epic" $224 million

"Monsters University" $193 million

"World War Z" $148 million

"Now You See Me" $140 million

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