"Iron Man 2', the upcoming Paramount sequel, based on Marvel Comics 'Tony Stark' aka 'Iron Man', is directed by Jon Favreau with actor Robert Downey, Jr. reprising the title role. The film will be released May 7 , 2010.
"Iron Man 2" is set six months after the events of "Iron Man", with the ' S.H.I.E.L.D.' organization continuing to have a major role. The film explores Stark's alcoholism, as he is unable to cope with his advancing age, concealing the fact he is Iron Man, and dealing with his budding love interest 'Pepper' (Gwyneth Paltrow), finding another boyfriend.Downey revealed that while the film was not an adaptation of the "Demon in a Bottle" storyline from the comic book series, it was more about the 'interim space' between the origin and the demon story arc.
Cast of "Iron Man 2" also includes Don Cheadle as 'Lt. Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes' aka 'War Machine', Scarlett Johansson as 'Natasha Romanoff' aka 'Black Widow', an undercover spy posing as Stark's assistant, Sam Rockwell as 'Justin Hammer' and Mickey Rourke as 'Ivan Vanko', aka 'Whiplash', son of Russian scientist 'Anton Vanko' aka 'Crimson Dynamo'.Rourke researched for the part by visiting 'Butyrka' prison, suggesting that half of his character's dialogue be in Russian.
Also appearing is Samuel L. Jackson as 'Nick Fury', director Favreau as 'Happy Hogan', Stark's bodyguard/chauffeur, John Slattery as 'Howard Stark', Tony's father, Garry Shandling as a Senator who wants Stark to turn over his Iron Man armor to the government, Paul Bettany voicing Stark's computer 'JARVIS', Clark Gregg as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 'Phil Coulson', Kate Mara as 'Bethany Cabe', Olivia Munn and "Iron Man" creator Stan Lee....
