Deadline Hollywood has supplied the scoop and final word regarding Iron Man 2 casting rumors that have been floating around of late.
First off, Mickey Rourke, fresh from his Oscar-nominated popularity, has finally signed on to play an unknown Russian antagonist, which every geek knows is probably a villain called Whiplash. He'll be in good company as the main baddie against fellow "comeback kid" actor Robert Downey Jr. in the title role.
Next, we have word that Scarlett Johansson will indeed be replacing Emily Blunt in the role of Black Widow, the Russian spy and possible new love interest for Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. This also may be the reason why Gwyneth Paltrow has not yet been alerted to her involvement in the sequel, or the lack thereof.
Incidentally, Johansson finished last in our user poll about who should play Black Widow.