Thursday, October 1

• Don Cheadle and Gwyneth Paltrow's Iron Man 2 Set Visit Interviews

  Entertainment Tonight's set visit to Iron Man 2 has already revealed footage of Mickey Rourke as Whiplash, Scarlett Johansson and her reaction to the Iron Man 2 "boys' club," and the casts' enthusiasm over working with Rourke. The latest clip talks specifically to Don Cheadle and what it was like for him to "step up" and wear the "60-pound" armor of War Machine that Cheadle describes as "based off a prototype that Tony Stark developed that Rhodey procures through the course of this movie."

  Watch the full interview below:.

  Gwyneth Paltrow also sat down before the ET cameras to talk about how her character of Pepper Potts will change in the sequel and how great it was to have another woman on the set.

  It's great to have another girl on the set. I love all the boys, but, it's nice to, you know, just to have a girlfriend there to talk ... she cooks a lot and I cook a lot, we talk about cooking, and husbands ... it's just nice to have another female around.

  Paltrow's comments run contrary to rumors about her and Johansson's on-set catfighting, which supposedly stemmed from Paltrow's jealousy over the attention Johansson was getting from the crew. However, Paltrow claims she will show more "skin" in the sequel. Watch the entire interview below.

  
  
  Next Showing: Iron Man 2 opens May 7, 2010

  Posted 10/01/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Don Cheadle | Gwyneth Paltrow | Iron Man 2

Friday, September 25

• Iron Man 2 Set Visit Reveals Whiplash in Action

  Entertainment Tonight got an exclusive Iron Man 2 set visit and revealed a few sneak peeks into the anticipated sequel. The video contains interviews with Robert Downey Jr., Gwenyth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, and Jon Favreau about the em>Iron Man love triangle, the fitness regimes of the cast, and, most importantly, a few seconds of Mickey Rourke as strong>Whiplash using his whips to destroy a car on the Monaco Grand Prix. The scene is from the initial meeting between Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, and Whiplash, explained Downey Jr.:

  Tony Stark has come to Monaco, supposedly to observe the race, but then, as it happens, he is racing in it. This is where he meets his nemesis, and this big kind of action sequence unfolds on the track. This is probably about my favorite thing in the world to do professionally because you get the free adrenaline rush and it's all safe.

  Watch the complete video below:

  
  

  Posted 09/25/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Don Cheadle | Gwyneth Paltrow | Jon Favreau | Scarlett Johansson | Robert Downey Jr. | Mickey Rourke | Iron Man 2

Thursday, July 23

• More Iron Man 2 Photos

  USA Today released a gallery of Iron Man 2 photos, days after a photo of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow hit the Interwebs.

  The photos sweep through most of the cast, starting with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) on a racetrack after a crash has occurred, Don Cheadle as Col. James Rhodes, another shot of Johansson, and one of Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts.

  The cast talks briefly about the expectations for the big-budget sequel, something that Downey Jr. takes very seriously.

  We know now [the audience] gets the jokes. They get what we're trying to do with the story. Now we have to tell a better one.

  You can find the photo gallery here.

  
  

  Posted 07/23/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Don Cheadle | Gwyneth Paltrow | Scarlett Johansson | Robert Downey Jr. | Iron Man 2

Monday, July 20

• Iron Man 2 Cat Fight, Round 2

  Months ago, it was reported that all was not well on the set of Iron Man 2. Apparently, Gwyneth Paltrow — reprising her role as Pepper Potts, assistant to Tony Stark/Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jr.) — was jealous about the attention that her new co-star, Scarlett Johansson, was receiving on the set. An unnamed source said that Paltrow found Johansson to be "demanding of the attention of the crew" and also that Paltrow was jealous of the outfits that Johansson's character, the Black Widow, wears in the movie.

  Fast-forward to today and what was old is new again. Principal photography has wrapped, but the Iron Man 2 drama continues. Once again, an unnamed source claims that Paltrow is fuming over the attention Johansson is receiving. This time, the source claims that it's Paltrow's noticeable absence from this week's Entertainment Weekly cover and other promotional materials for the movie that has the actress seeing red. Apparently, Paltrow has even boycotted the San Diego Comic Convention, the largest comic book convention in the country and a burgeoning outlet for genre-related Hollywood announcements and special appearances.

  A spokesman for Paltrow denies the rumors, saying:

  (Gwyneth) was not at all upset. The fans will get to see more of Pepper Potts as we get closer to the film's release next May.

  We'll have to wait to see what that means.

  
  
  Next Showing: Iron Man 2 opens May 7, 2010

  Posted 07/20/2009 by BrentJS

  Related: Gwyneth Paltrow | Scarlett Johansson | Iron Man 2

Friday, July 17

• Iron Man 2 Will Feature a Cockatoo and Other Spoilers

  Entertainment Weekly's coverage of Iron Man 2 did more than just show Scarlett Johansson in her Black Widow costume. It also revealed a few spoilers about the upcoming sequel. WARNING: If you'd like your Iron Man 2 viewing to remain unspoiled, time to stop reading.

  Most superhero movie sequels are given the "double villain" treatment and Iron Man 2 is no different. However, this time villains Mickey Rourke as Whiplash and Sam Rockwell as weapons-manufacturing rival Justin Hammer won't be working alone. They'll be joined in their fight against Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) by ... a cockatoo? Rourke explains the need for his new right-hand, er, shoulder, man.

  I told [director Jon] Favreau, "I don't want to just play him as a one-dimensional p----." He let me have a cockatoo, who I talk to and get drunk with while I'm making my suit.

  Johansson's Black Widow will be complicating matters, specifically for Stark's former assistant, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). "The men want it to be, like, 'Ooh, the girls are fighting over Tony,' but it's not as standard as that," explains Paltrow. Downey Jr. agrees that there's a "a weird male catfight fantasy" to contend with between the two women, but this is the Iron Man franchise, as Downey is quick to point out.

  We're horny. Not, like, can't-bring-your-kids horny, but just ... horny.

  The replacement of Terrence Howard's Colonel Rhodes with Don Cheadle will also be addressed "in one exchange," says Cheadle. "We're not trying to fool people."

  Considering the pressure put on a sequel whose predecessor was as successful as Iron Man, there are likely plenty more suprises in store. No one is more aware of that, however, than Downey Jr.

  There are a lot more invisible eyes on us now. People are going to be more critical. That's their prerogative.... In a way, there's no way to win, except to win. Big.

  
  
  Next Showing: Iron Man 2 opens May 7, 2010

  Posted 07/17/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Don Cheadle | Gwyneth Paltrow | Jon Favreau | Terrence Howard | Robert Downey Jr. | Iron Man | Iron Man 2

Wednesday, May 20

• Catfight on Iron Man 2 Set -- PLUS a Climactic Fight Scene!

  Rumors say that Scarlett "Black Widow" Johansson and Gwyneth "Pepper Potts" Paltrow aren't playing nice together on the set of Iron Man 2.

  While admittedly, you can't believe everything the British papers say -- especially the Sun -- the paper reports that Paltrow feels her on-set rival is hogging the limelight and now sparks are flying between the two female leads.

  According to their unnamed source...

  Gwyneth has become very frustrated with Scarlett. They come from different worlds and have completely different styles. Gwyneth has found Scarlett very demanding of the attention of the crew. It's not a happy set.

  The insider went on to say that all this stems from jealousy over the fact that Scarlett gets to wear tight leather outfits and carry guns, while Gwyneth is relegated to business suits and office scenes. Oh the drama!

  Almost as a side note, the article mentions that Gwyneth will get her chance for action in movie's the climactic battle scene...

  The most spectacular sequence in the movie is a huge fight between Robert Downey Jr. and Mickey Rourke, and she (Paltrow) is going to be right in the thick of things. That section of the movie is going to be three straight weeks of filming in June. It is by far the most expensive sequence, the centrepiece of the whole project.

  Now that's the kind of drama we want to see!

  
  

  Posted 05/20/2009 by Jim

  Related: Gwyneth Paltrow | Scarlett Johansson | Robert Downey Jr. | Mickey Rourke | Iron Man 2

Sunday, April 26

• Terrence Howard Finally Discusses Iron Man 2 Firing and other Iron Man News

  When Iron Man actor Terrence Howard was surprisingly replaced by Don Cheadle for Iron Man 2, money was rumored to be the problem. With Iron Man 2 already shooting, Howard spoke with Parade about what really happened:

  Marvel made a choice, and it was a very, very bad choice. They didn't keep their word. They didn't honor my contract. They produced a great bounty with the first one but they put it all in the storehouse and you were not allowed in. They did the same thing with Gwyneth Paltrow, from what I've been told. They did it with almost everyone except Robert Downey [Jr.]. One of the things that actors need to learn to do is always stick together, one for all and all for one.

  Howard has also seen the script for Iron Man 2 but won't elaborate:

  I've seen the script, I know what's going to happen, but I'm not revealing anything. I believe in karma. When someone does something wrong, you don't have to get them back. Everything right will return the favor for you.

  Perhaps karma will have Howard replace Cheadle for Iron Man 3 where Mandarin is rumored to be the villain, perhaps played by Iron Man actor Faran Tahir. Tahir won't be in Iron Man 2, but Clark Gregg (returning as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson) and Kate Mara (in an unknown role) will be, having been recently added to the cast.

  
  
  Next Showing: Iron Man 2 opens May 7, 2010

  Posted 04/26/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Gwyneth Paltrow | Kate Mara | Terrence Howard | Faran Tahir | Clark Gregg | Robert Downey Jr. | Iron Man 2 | Iron Man 3 | Iron Man

Thursday, April 9

• First Day Filming Iron Man 2 Reveals... Garry Shandling?

  Director Jon Favreau has started shooting Iron Man 2 and we've got the first footage showing the actors making their way to and from the set. Admittedly, it's not much, but only exciting because it showcases many of the key characters. From this, we even learn that comedian Garry Shandling is in the movie!

  
  

  Posted 04/09/2009 by Jim

  Related: Don Cheadle | Gwyneth Paltrow | Jon Favreau | Scarlett Johansson | Sam Rockwell | Robert Downey Jr. | Mickey Rourke | Iron Man 2

Saturday, April 4

• Robert Downey Jr. Pumping Up for Iron Man 2

  

  Actor Robert Downey Jr. has been working non-stop since he played Tony Stark in Iron Man (2008). His hilarious portrayal of Kirk Lazarus, an actor who undergoes a skin pigmentation-altering procedure to “get into character” in Tropic Thunder (2008), was followed with a performance as a journalist in The Soloist (2009), and he recently completed filming for Guy Ritchie’s latest endeavor, Sherlock Holmes, due in theaters this December.

  While Downey Jr.’s portrayal of the world’s greatest detective (sorry, Batman) in Sherlock Holmes is eagerly anticipated, what fans are really curious about is his return to the role that brought him his most recent wave of fame. Iron Man was the 2nd-highest grossing film of 2008 and helped further legitimize superhero films as a distinct movie genre capable of both financial and critical success.

  In a recent interview with ET!,

  Downey Jr. said:

  "It's one thing to say you're Iron Man, it's another thing to be fully ready to do that."

  When asked if he would be in shape to play a superhero after losing weight to play the gaunt Sherlock Holmes, Downey Jr. replied:

  "I'm on Beefcake Charlie status. I've got to not be the skinny Brit anymore. I have to be the Tony that you know and may have loved."

  Gwyneth Paltrow returns as Tony Stark’s assistant, Pepper Potts with Samuel L. Jackson resuming his role as Nick Fury. Iron Man 2 also stars Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Mickey Rourke as Whiplash and Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer.

  
  
  Next Showing: Iron Man 2 blasts into theaters May 7, 2010.

  Posted 04/04/2009 by BrentJS

  Related: Gwyneth Paltrow | Sam Rockwell | Robert Downey Jr. | Mickey Rourke | Tropic Thunder | The Soloist | Sherlock Holmes | Iron Man | Iron Man 2 | Iron Man 3

Thursday, March 12

• Iron Man 2 Casting Confirmed for Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johansson

  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.

  
  

  Posted 03/12/2009 by Jim

  Related: Emily Blunt | Gwyneth Paltrow | Scarlett Johansson | Robert Downey Jr. | Mickey Rourke | Iron Man 2

Friday, January 23

• Keira Knightley To Do Movie Not Involving Corset

  Shocker! Keira Knightley has signed on to do another film set in modern times. The bony starlet has already shot Last Night, a romantic drama with Eva Mendes. Now, she's signed on to star in the contemporary crime drama London Boulevard opposite Colin Farrell. The movie will mark the directing debut of William Monahan, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of The Departed.

  But fear not! All is still right with the world. Young Keira also has a host of period pieces on the horizon. She's set to play Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald in the Jazz-age The Beautiful and the Damned; do some Shakespeare (and perhaps trade not-eating tips) with Gwyneth in King Lear; and maybe play Eliza Doolittle in a new version of My Fair Lady. Surely there's another corset or two in her future.

  
  

  Posted 01/23/2009 by Hailey

  Related: Gwyneth Paltrow | Keira Knightley | William Monahan | The Departed