'Iron Man 2': Rourke, Johansson suit up (THR, DHD, VAR, HI)

By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte

After weeks of back and forth, Mickey Rourke will take on the role of a Russian villain in "Iron Man 2," according to media reports. Further, the actor has attached himself to "Passion Plays," a Mitch Glazer written and directed indie.

The "Iron Man 2" deal had been expected but wrangling over salary was a hitch when Marvel reportedly offered the actor only $250,000. His quote is now said to have reached a "significant" level, says DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com.

Although reports say Marvel would not confirm Rourke's involvement yesterday, it is said that he'll play Whiplash, a character that includes elements from that comic book villain and Crimson Dynamo, another Russian baddie.

When news of Rourke's "Iron Man" involvement was first made public there were conflicting reports as to whether he would be playing Whiplash or Crimson Dynamo.

Meanwhile, as had previously been rumored, DHD reports that Scarlett Johansson will take over the Black Widow role from Emily Blunt who had to drop out because of a previous commitment to Fox under the terms of her "Devil Wears Prada" contract.

As for "Passion Plays," the logline is being kept underwraps, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Rourke has been busy making deals since his lauded comeback role in Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler" having signed on for Sylvester Stallone's "The Expendables" and Indian gangster movie "Broken Horses." He's also in the upcoming Hollywood glam tale "The Informers."