Marvel Studios are gearing up for a massive couple of years, with Thor and Captain America scheduled for 2011, and The Avengers arriving in 2012.

The studio has already announced plans for Iron Man 3 for 2013, and if reports circling Hollywood are to be believed, they are also planning a spin-off for Iron Man sidekick War Machine.

Pajiba are reporting that a pitch has gone out to writers today, and to expect the official announcement to follow shortly.

In the comics, the War Machine is the nickname of a heavily weaponised suit of armour created by Tony Stark, but used by his colleague, Air Force Colonel James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes.

Don Cheadle as War Machine (right)

Don Cheadle wore the War Machine suit in Iron Man 2 and is expected to reprise his role in The Avengers, so with news of a spin-off it would seem Marvel have the star locked in to a multi-picture deal.

Expect more single character spin-off news as Marvel look to fill their post-Avengers schedule.

Read more: Film news Marvel planning War Machine spin-off | TotalFilm.com

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