David Maisel is an American film producer and entertainment executive best known for helping establish Marvel Studios as an independent film production company. As Chief Operating Officer and later Chairman of Marvel Studios, he played a pivotal role in securing the financing strategy that enabled the production of Iron Man and the launch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following his tenure at Marvel, he founded Mythos Studios, focusing on film, television, and transmedia projects based on original and licensed intellectual properties. Maisel's leadership has had a lasting impact on the modern superhero film industry and franchise filmmaking.