No 'Iron Man 2' Just Yet for Mickey Rourke

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Mickey Rourke appears to be passing on the opportunity to star in "Iron Man 2". In an article about who the actor will bring to the 81st Annual Academy Awards as his date, New York Magazine unraveled that contrary to previous rumors, the front runner for the awards' Best Actor title won't be taking any villainous role in the "Iron Man" sequel.

Quoting the star of "The Wrestler" on his possible involvement in the superhero movie, the mag wrote that Rourke said simply, "Right now, we're not doing Iron Man 2." The 56-year-old's statement put off speculations that he is up for the role of either Whiplash or Crimson Dynamo, both are the Iron Man's foes he has been linked to previously.

It is uncertain whether Rourke's decision of not participating in the sequel has anything to do with the earlier report that he has been offered a low salary for the role. Back in January, Variety reported that the Best Dramatic Actor recipient at the 66th Golden Globe Awards got a lowball opening offer of $250,000 from Marvel.

To be directed by Jon Favreau, "Iron Man 2" is a sequel to hit superhero movie "Iron Man". It sees the return of Robert Downey Jr. as the titular character and the replacement of Terrence Howard with Don Cheadle for Colonel James 'Rhodey' Rhodes part. Sam Rockwell has been linked to Justin Hammer character. Set for May 7, 2010 U.S. release, the action flick is reported to have a spring start in Manhattan Beach.