Jon Favreau is no doubt currently hard at work preparing for the shoot for the second Iron Man film, which goes before the cameras in the Spring. And as such, his cast is also starting to fall into place.

We already know that Terrence Howard is out and Don Cheadle is in. And we already know that the likes of Robert Downey Jr and Gwyneth Paltrow are returning for the sequel. What’s now becoming clear is who will be playing the villains in the film, with Sam Rockwell and man-of-the-moment Mickey Rourke – who has also reportedly signed up to be in Stallone’s Expendables movie – in negotiations to climb on board.

According to reports, Rockwell is being lined up to play Justin Hammer, a megarich business tycoon and rival of Tony Stark. Meanwhile, Rourke is down to play a Russian, who will become Whiplash.

Expect both to be confirmed shortly, especially as both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety are now reporting the story. And expect the final casting announcements for the film to follow shortly…

8 January 2009