Rourke and Rockwell Eyed for Iron Man 2 Villains

Iron Man 2 news has come at a snail’s pace thus far with the only excitement centered around the recasting of a character from the first film. Thanks to a flurry of Iron Man 2 updates at The Hollywood Reporter today, we may now know who the “two” villains are and what actors will fill their shoes.

Earlier today it was reported that Mickey Rourke was in negotiations to play Justin Hammer, a rival industrialist to Tony Stark with a bottomless pocketbook. Now it appears Rourke is actually up for the role of Whiplash, a villain who utilizes deadly technologically enhanced electric coils that extend from his hands in battle.


The role of Justin Hammer might go to Sam Rockwell who currently stars in Frost/Nixon. If Rockwell lands the role it would be by far the biggest acting gig for him, a universe away from the indie films he’s usually attracted to.

Rourke’s stock continues to soar after his resurrection from Hollywood Obscurity with The Wrestler. He’s already committed to The Informers next and is tapped to co-star in Sly Stallone’s The Expendables.

Of course the first Iron Man helped put Robert Downey Jr. back on the map after a troubled stretch marked by drug abuse. Oh the irony if Rourke is cast.

Iron Man 2 is still on track for a May 10, 2010 release.

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