Iron Man 2 Production Begins: Rourke Does Not Disappoint

According to Director Jon Favreau's twitter account, production for the highly anticipated Iron Man 2 movie began on Monday, April 6. That means Robert Downey Jr. is suiting up into the ole Red and Gold, Gwyneth Paltrow is getting into a power suit and setting up appointments as Pepper Potts, and Terrence Howard is at home wondering why Don Cheadle is playing Jim Rhodes instead of him.

Also starring in the cast are Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johansson. The duo will play Russian villains The Crimson Dynamo and Black Widow. Sam Rockwell will be on hand to play Tony Stark rival, Justin Hammer. According to a twitter post by Jon Favreau about Mickey Rourke's first day on the set, "Rourke does not disappoint."

Samuel L. Jackson, who had a cameo at the end of the first Iron Man film, will reprise his role of Col. Nick Fury. This will be the first of at least nine films in which Jackson will play the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., after signing a massive contract with Fox and Marvel Studios earlier this year. Iron Man 2 is due in theatres on May 7, 2010.