Although I'm not the world's biggest authority on boxing, Mayweather was IMO a superb boxer. However I'm not too sure whether he won that match against the wrestler because he's great or because of other factors that went beyond how good he might have been. That said, I do remember a Rocky film in whcih the Italian Stallion defeated a wrestler, so... actually I'm not going anywhere with this. I just rememeber the film. ) I love the Rocky films, so I guess I'm complimenting Mayweather. Anyway, draw your own conclusions.
And that gets my vote for Most Incoherent Post of the Day)
) ) )
Thanks for the pick-me-up, Tony! I needed it!
Although I'm not the world's biggest authority on boxing, Mayweather was IMO a superb boxer. However I'm not too sure whether he won that match against the wrestler because he's great or because of other factors that went beyond how good he might have been. That said, I do remember a Rocky film in whcih the Italian Stallion defeated a wrestler, so... actually I'm not going anywhere with this. I just rememeber the film. ) I love the Rocky films, so I guess I'm complimenting Mayweather. Anyway, draw your own conclusions.
And that gets my vote for Most Incoherent Post of the Day)
) I must admit that I had a sense it would come across as pretty incoherent but I couldn't figure out a way to mention the Rocky film. :v
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited February 2009
Downey Jr. Dismisses Rourke's Iron Man Role
4 February 2009 8:05 AM, PST
Robert Downey Jr. has denied fellow Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke is set to play his nemesis in the upcoming Iron Man sequel. Downey Jr. played the lead role of tycoon-turned-superhero Tony Stark in the 2008 comic book movie and is set to to return for a follow-up.
Rumours about actors set to join the cast of Iron Man 2 have been swirling for months, with stars including Emily Blunt, Tim Robbins and Sam Rockwell all linked to the project.
Rourke is the latest name said to be in contention for a role in the blockbuster, but Downey Jr. insists reports The Wrestler star has already signed up to play comic book villain Crimson Dynamo are false.
He tells MTV.com, "That’s actually incorrect."
And Downey Jr. has also refused to be drawn on further speculation about whether Rourke is in negotiations to play another character, Whiplash, in the film, adding, "I can neither confirm nor deny that. Or maybe it’s some semblance of both. I can tell you everything about the story except I won’t give away the ending. The nerd stuff is top-drawer security.”
The movie is scheduled to hit cinemas in summer 2010.
And since we're not sure of who's being cast or who's coming back, would anyone object to Avery Brooks being cast in SLJ's stead? I think he'd play a great Ultimate Nick. He's cheap and he's a good actor. The cosmetic is already there.
Probably the only actor, outside of Sam that I would accept in the role; otherwise just not have him in the sequel or just go 616 and pretend like Ult. never happened...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
And since we're not sure of who's being cast or who's coming back, would anyone object to Avery Brooks being cast in SLJ's stead? I think he'd play a great Ultimate Nick. He's cheap and he's a good actor. The cosmetic is already there.
Probably the only actor, outside of Sam that I would accept in the role; otherwise just not have him in the sequel or just go 616 and pretend like Ult. never happened...
Maybe it was all those years on DS9, but Brooks has always struck me as an aloof actor who probably takes himself and his roles just a little bit too seriously. He does bear a resemblance to Ultimate Nick Fury, but I don't know if he'd have the right presence and tenor for the role if you know what I mean.
Jackson would chew the scenery with that part, he'd have fun with it. He had three lines of dialog in IM and sold the character right then and there. Brooks on the other hand would probably fade into the background surrounded by all those heavy hitters. Just my opinion.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
More IM news; may not be a big deal to many here but it looks like Rourke isn't going to be the villian in the sequel.
Hopefully as time goes along, the positives will outweigh the negatives when it comes to this sequel...
Mickey Rourke Not Doing Iron Man 2?
Source:New York Magazine February 18, 2009
Mickey Rourke has told New York Magazine that it's looking like he won't be playing the villain in Iron Man 2:
But so what if ICM's David Unger doesn't look good in a dress — at least he's battling Marvel for a bigger paycheck for Rourke for his rumored role as a villain in Iron Man 2, right? "Right now, we're not doing Iron Man 2," Rourke told us grimly.
In January, the news broke that Marvel had offered the award-winning "Wrestler" star just $250,000 to play a villain in the sequel. Perhaps further negotiations didn't go so well? Also, Rourke is now firmly attached to star in Sylvester Stallone's The Expendables, which starts shooting shortly and might interfere with the Iron Man 2 shoot.
Stay tuned for possibly more on this...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I really won't shed any tears if Rourke walks; there's plenty of other actors out there.
More important to me is the fact that filming is supposed to start in April yet the script and casting still seem somewhat in flux. Spring is just around the corner so hopefully they'll be able to pull it all together in the next few weeks.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I really won't shed any tears if Rourke walks; there's plenty of other actors out there.
More important to me is the fact that filming is supposed to start in April yet the script and casting still seem somewhat in flux. Spring is just around the corner so hopefully they'll be able to pull it all together in the next few weeks.
Yeah, I figured you would feel that way about Rourke, Tony even though I think he'd bring a sort of bad-a**ness to the villian part this time around. I'd like to see this worked out.
Although I still hope that Jackson can come back for Ultimate Nick, and my Avery Brooks suggestion was abit murky as a replacement, what about Keith David? Shave his head and there you go. Besides, his voice and presence is unmistakable. And he's way more affordable. B-)
It's never a good sign when you're this close to the eleventh hour to get going and things, as you say, are in a state of flux. I don't know what's going on... ?:)
I almost wish that the franchise were handled by a more sturdier movie studio like Paramount or Sony. I'm beginning to think that with the economic crisis, where it is now, that Marvel might be in over their heads somewhat or that they're being major tools with the purse-strings.
At this rate, they'll never get Avengers off of the ground as planned.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I guess I'm the only person who will shed a tear if Rourke walks. I love Rourke; very good actor, and one heck of a badass.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I guess I'm the only person who will shed a tear if Rourke walks. I love Rourke; very good actor, and one heck of a badass.
Although I wouldn't shed a tear for Rourke, but I'd be disappointed if he didn't get the part for the bad guy in IM2 simply for the reason that he gives the villian a certain hardcore-ness that was missing in the first one.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Although I wouldn't shed a tear for Rourke, but I'd be disappointed if he didn't get the part for the bad guy in IM2 simply for the reason that he gives the villian a certain hardcore-ness that was missing in the first one.
True, although I don't think that Jeff Bridges (a criminally underrated actor IMO) was helped by the writing. IM was fantastic, but I don't think that the villain was developed enough. It happened far too quickly IMO, although I did enjoy his hatred of Stark. In too many films, the villain is polite to the hero; in IM, the villain got to the point. He wanted to kill the hero. Anyway, I hope that Rourke does sign on, but if he doesn't, I want the villain to be more fully developed and to maintain the rage that Bridges expressed in the first film.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Yeah, I figured you would feel that way about Rourke, Tony even though I think he'd bring a sort of bad-a**ness to the villian part this time around. I'd like to see this worked out.
Even though I know you should always separate the actor from the parts he plays, I guess I just don't care much for Rourke personally. He's a bit too uncouth for my tastes with all his off-screen antics and that turns me off to his work.
Still, it looks like he may not be out of the running for IM2. This article on AICN suggests that everybody is basically waiting for the results of the Oscars before proceeding: Is Rourke In or Out of IM2?
Although I still hope that Jackson can come back for Ultimate Nick, and my Avery Brooks suggestion was a bit murky as a replacement, what about Keith David? Shave his head and there you go. Besides, his voice and presence is unmistakable. And he's way more affordable. B-)
I also hope they can work things out with Jackson but Keith David would work, and he has the physical presence for the role too. His work as Childs in The Thing had a little Nick Fury to it as well.
Another possible choice would be Shiek Mahmud-Bey, who I saw in a Robert Parker TV movie many years ago. A good actor and more than a passing resemblance to Ultimate Nick...
It's never a good sign when you're this close to the eleventh hour to get going and things, as you say, are in a state of flux. I don't know what's going on... ?:)
I almost wish that the franchise were handled by a more sturdier movie studio like Paramount or Sony. I'm beginning to think that with the economic crisis, where it is now, that Marvel might be in over their heads somewhat or that they're being major tools with the purse-strings.
At this rate, they'll never get Avengers off of the ground as planned.
In fairness to Marvel and Favreau, they could be playing it all close to the vest all the while plugging away and just not releasing any info. After the workmanlike job he did on the first IM movie, I just can't see Favreau suddenly falling apart like that and of all the players involved in the writing and casting, he has been the most quiet, probably because he is busily at work on getting the movie ready to film.
I think Marvel knows that they have to do more than just show up to get the fans to buy tickets. They need only look at the performance of some of their other properties like Punisher and Fantastic Four (not to mention 90% of the DC adaptations) to be reminded of that.
In an interview on the red carpet at yesterday's Oscar Ceremony, Robert Downey said they are working hard on the script and added what drew the audience to Iron Man was the script and compelling story, so they wanted to take their time and get the story right. He is right about the story, Iron Man's story was compelling and I hope the sequel is as compelling. Wonder if they work in Captain America somehow?
I saw IM twice. However I never saw the Captain America mask. Was there indeed a Captain America mask, and if so, in which scene was it?
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
I saw IM twice. However I never saw the Captain America mask. Was there indeed a Captain America mask, and if so, in which scene was it?
It's the scene where Pepper walks in on Tony Stark as he's trying to remove the Iron Man suit. Check out this pic, it's on the far left side of the screen under Tony's arm. Only three of the five spokes on the star are present.
I meant to tell Dan there was no mask, just his shield, but I forgot. What can I say, I'm pumped full of antibiotics and my brain (or what's left of it) is especially mushy right now.
BTW, in other IM2 news, John Favreau has confirmed that Emily Blunt will not be playing Black Widow as 20th Century Fox exercised its option on her to appear in Gulliver's Travels. Scarlett Johansson is rumored to be up for the part and Eliza Dushku has also said she'd love to be involved. Favreau was also coy on the whole Mickey Rourke affair, stating only that he is a fan. Now that the Oscars are over with and Mickey Rourke didn't win best actor, I'll be curious to see what comes of his on again off again negotiations.
Thanks Tony. {[] Yeh, I actually remembered reading a post by you that referred to the shield, but I guess, when I asked about it, I must have misremembered it as a mask. ;% Nonetheless, I couldn't locate a mask or a shield in either viewing.
Who told you that it was his mask, Dan? ?:) Oh, never mind... Sigh...
:v Had a bad day at work Rogue? Perhaps the possibility that Nolan might not direct the third Batman film has soured your mood? Or are you stil yet to get over the fact that your beloved TDK was not beloved by the Academy? Because any of these scenarios might explain why you've reacting this way to an honest and minor mistake. In the Oscars thread, for example, another member talked about how Titanic won 13 Oscars, when it actually won 11; yet I didn't act as if the world had come to an end.
I don't know. Maybe you're still upset over my post in the TDK thread; maybe you're more sensitive than I give you credit for. Please tell me, because if it is the TDK post, then I will know to be less, uh, direct in the future.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
I don't know. Maybe you're still upset over my post in the TDK thread; maybe you're more sensitive than I give you credit for. Please tell me, because if it is the TDK post, then I will know to be less, uh, direct in the future.
) ) ) No need to, Dan...but thanks for the laugh. )
'09 is off to a good start between us, eh? )
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
) ) Yes, it is. ) (BTW, I loved your response to me in the TDK thread. )
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited February 2009
The wait appears to be over! Sam Jackson is in as Ultimate Nick!!!! Well according to this article he is... Bring on IM2! {[]
Jackson's Fury in flurry of Marvel films
Nine-pic deal includes 'Iron Man 2,' 'Thor,' more
By Borys Kit
Feb 25, 2009, 05:30 PM ET
Updated: Feb 25, 2009, 06:16 PM ET
Samuel L. Jackson is Marvel's man.
The actor, who just weeks ago was seemingly on the outs with the studio over reprising his role as Nick Fury, agent of spy outfit S.H.I.E.L.D., has signed an unprecedented nine-picture deal to play the character in a series of Marvel movies.
The movies include "Iron Man 2," "Thor," "Captain America," "The Avengers" and its sequels.
Also on the table is the possibility of toplining a "S.H.I.E.L.D." movie, which is in development.
The actor, repped by ICM and Anonymous Content, made a surprise appearance as Fury at the end of the first "Iron Man," throwing geeks into a tizzy and showing the first glimpse of Marvel's plan to link all their slate of movies into one filmic universe.
Jackson and Fury were expected to be part of the sequel, but as Marvel negotiated with its cast, deals proved hard to come by. Terrence Howard was replaced by Don Cheadle. Mickey Rourke still doesn't have a deal for the part of a villain despite almost two months of negotiations.
Jackson's Fury in flurry of Marvel films
Nine-pic deal includes 'Iron Man 2,' 'Thor,' more
By Borys Kit
Awesom news. Glad to see that Marvel was able to come to terms with Jackson; hopefully its a sign that all these properties are starting to hit critical mass. A lot of the pundits were speculating that more news would be forthcoming after the Oscars and it looks like they may have been right. I'm sure Marvel's soaring financials for the fourth quarter - bouyed in large part by sales of the Iron Man DVD - also helped them to get their head out of the sand.
The actor, who just weeks ago was seemingly on the outs with the studio over reprising his role as Nick Fury, agent of spy outfit S.H.I.E.L.D., has signed an unprecedented nine-picture deal to play the character in a series of Marvel movies.
There are no complaints from me as I love Samuel L. Jackson, however Marvel must be pretty confident if they have signed him to a nine-picture deal.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
There are no complaints from me as I love Samuel L. Jackson, however Marvel must be pretty confident if they have signed him to a nine-picture deal.
Nick Fury and his organization SHIELD keep popping up as a looming, overarching presence in the Marvel universe. While Jackson was nowhere to be seen, SHIELD was referenced more than a few times in The Incredible Hulk movie as well as Iron Man this past summer. As such, it makes sense to sign Jackson to that kind of a contract since he and SHIELD will probably be the glue that helps bind all these disparate movies together.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited February 2009
What ticked me off about the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in Iron Man was that they weren't wearing their field outfits...Wear were the tight blue spandex bodysuits? Where were the white shoulder holsters? WTF was Happy Hogan?
Will we at least get to see the floating headquarters in the sequel? I want HYDRA!!!! B-)
I am truly estatic about Sam returning as Ultimate Nick in the sequel; for me at least, that was what I needed to get fully behind this sequel. Sure I would've gone to see it like the devoted comic nerd that I am but his incarnation in the books I've always liked and Sam is still cool. I can look over the Cheadle/Rhodey thing for now.
Downey, Jr. & SLJ can only equal total WIN.
Now if Sam can just redeem himself in this after the travesty known as The Spirit. 8-)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
As far as I'm concerned, this movie is set to sweep the gold for 2010! I can hardly wait to see this {[] :
UPDATE: Mickey Rourke Officially in Iron Man 2
Source:Deadline Hollywood Daily March 12, 2009
After a lot of back and forth, Deadline Hollywood Daily has confirmed today that Mickey Rourke has officially signed on to play a villain in Iron Man 2:
I just heard that ICM has scored its second casting deal for Marvel's Iron Man 2. After at first being low-balled by the studio to the tune of $250K, Rourke has signed on for the role of the Russian villain in the sequel after his agent David Unger got the quote up to a "significant" level despite this punishing economic climate where the studios are taking advantage of talent. (No wonder Mickey kept thanking Unger so profusely in acceptance speeches for the BAFTA, Golden Globes, Spirit, and other awards.) But don't expect Marvel to confirm any of this: they won't until all the i's are dotted and t's crossed on the contracts. I can also tell you that Sony was considering hiring Mickey to play the villain in Spider-Man 4.
Director Jon Favreau will start shooting Iron Man 2 very soon for a May 7, 2010 release date.
UPDATE: Variety adds that Rourke will play "Whiplash, a character that includes elements from that comicbook villain and Crimson Dynamo, another Russian baddie."
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Well that settles it...Iron Man 2 is going to suck!
Just kidding. Glad to see that all parties involved have stopped spinning their wheels and that this movie is once again moving forward.
Between this, the Samuel Jackson announcement and the fact that a bevy of beauties (including Scarlett Johansson) all seem to want to play the Black Widow, this movie suddenly has one of the stronger casts around.
It doesn't surprise me to hear Jackson sign on...after so many of his films seem to have diminished his bankability lately, a nine-picture gig probably gives him some level of comfort.
Great news Rogue. I've said this before, but I'm a big fan of Rourke, take that Tony, :v and the cast for IM 2 is beginning to look extremely impressive.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Comments
Thanks for the pick-me-up, Tony! I needed it!
4 February 2009 8:05 AM, PST
Robert Downey Jr. has denied fellow Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke is set to play his nemesis in the upcoming Iron Man sequel. Downey Jr. played the lead role of tycoon-turned-superhero Tony Stark in the 2008 comic book movie and is set to to return for a follow-up.
Rumours about actors set to join the cast of Iron Man 2 have been swirling for months, with stars including Emily Blunt, Tim Robbins and Sam Rockwell all linked to the project.
Rourke is the latest name said to be in contention for a role in the blockbuster, but Downey Jr. insists reports The Wrestler star has already signed up to play comic book villain Crimson Dynamo are false.
He tells MTV.com, "That’s actually incorrect."
And Downey Jr. has also refused to be drawn on further speculation about whether Rourke is in negotiations to play another character, Whiplash, in the film, adding, "I can neither confirm nor deny that. Or maybe it’s some semblance of both. I can tell you everything about the story except I won’t give away the ending. The nerd stuff is top-drawer security.”
The movie is scheduled to hit cinemas in summer 2010.
And since we're not sure of who's being cast or who's coming back, would anyone object to Avery Brooks being cast in SLJ's stead? I think he'd play a great Ultimate Nick. He's cheap and he's a good actor. The cosmetic is already there.
Probably the only actor, outside of Sam that I would accept in the role; otherwise just not have him in the sequel or just go 616 and pretend like Ult. never happened...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Maybe it was all those years on DS9, but Brooks has always struck me as an aloof actor who probably takes himself and his roles just a little bit too seriously. He does bear a resemblance to Ultimate Nick Fury, but I don't know if he'd have the right presence and tenor for the role if you know what I mean.
Jackson would chew the scenery with that part, he'd have fun with it. He had three lines of dialog in IM and sold the character right then and there. Brooks on the other hand would probably fade into the background surrounded by all those heavy hitters. Just my opinion.
Hopefully as time goes along, the positives will outweigh the negatives when it comes to this sequel...
Mickey Rourke Not Doing Iron Man 2?
Source:New York Magazine February 18, 2009
Mickey Rourke has told New York Magazine that it's looking like he won't be playing the villain in Iron Man 2:
But so what if ICM's David Unger doesn't look good in a dress — at least he's battling Marvel for a bigger paycheck for Rourke for his rumored role as a villain in Iron Man 2, right? "Right now, we're not doing Iron Man 2," Rourke told us grimly.
In January, the news broke that Marvel had offered the award-winning "Wrestler" star just $250,000 to play a villain in the sequel. Perhaps further negotiations didn't go so well? Also, Rourke is now firmly attached to star in Sylvester Stallone's The Expendables, which starts shooting shortly and might interfere with the Iron Man 2 shoot.
Stay tuned for possibly more on this...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
More important to me is the fact that filming is supposed to start in April yet the script and casting still seem somewhat in flux. Spring is just around the corner so hopefully they'll be able to pull it all together in the next few weeks.
Yeah, I figured you would feel that way about Rourke, Tony even though I think he'd bring a sort of bad-a**ness to the villian part this time around. I'd like to see this worked out.
Although I still hope that Jackson can come back for Ultimate Nick, and my Avery Brooks suggestion was abit murky as a replacement, what about Keith David? Shave his head and there you go. Besides, his voice and presence is unmistakable. And he's way more affordable. B-)
It's never a good sign when you're this close to the eleventh hour to get going and things, as you say, are in a state of flux. I don't know what's going on... ?:)
I almost wish that the franchise were handled by a more sturdier movie studio like Paramount or Sony. I'm beginning to think that with the economic crisis, where it is now, that Marvel might be in over their heads somewhat or that they're being major tools with the purse-strings.
At this rate, they'll never get Avengers off of the ground as planned.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Although I wouldn't shed a tear for Rourke, but I'd be disappointed if he didn't get the part for the bad guy in IM2 simply for the reason that he gives the villian a certain hardcore-ness that was missing in the first one.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Even though I know you should always separate the actor from the parts he plays, I guess I just don't care much for Rourke personally. He's a bit too uncouth for my tastes with all his off-screen antics and that turns me off to his work.
Still, it looks like he may not be out of the running for IM2. This article on AICN suggests that everybody is basically waiting for the results of the Oscars before proceeding: Is Rourke In or Out of IM2?
I also hope they can work things out with Jackson but Keith David would work, and he has the physical presence for the role too. His work as Childs in The Thing had a little Nick Fury to it as well.
Another possible choice would be Shiek Mahmud-Bey, who I saw in a Robert Parker TV movie many years ago. A good actor and more than a passing resemblance to Ultimate Nick...
In fairness to Marvel and Favreau, they could be playing it all close to the vest all the while plugging away and just not releasing any info. After the workmanlike job he did on the first IM movie, I just can't see Favreau suddenly falling apart like that and of all the players involved in the writing and casting, he has been the most quiet, probably because he is busily at work on getting the movie ready to film.
I think Marvel knows that they have to do more than just show up to get the fans to buy tickets. They need only look at the performance of some of their other properties like Punisher and Fantastic Four (not to mention 90% of the DC adaptations) to be reminded of that.
It's the scene where Pepper walks in on Tony Stark as he's trying to remove the Iron Man suit. Check out this pic, it's on the far left side of the screen under Tony's arm. Only three of the five spokes on the star are present.
Who told you that it was his mask, Dan? ?:) Oh, never mind...
Sigh...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
BTW, in other IM2 news, John Favreau has confirmed that Emily Blunt will not be playing Black Widow as 20th Century Fox exercised its option on her to appear in Gulliver's Travels. Scarlett Johansson is rumored to be up for the part and Eliza Dushku has also said she'd love to be involved. Favreau was also coy on the whole Mickey Rourke affair, stating only that he is a fan. Now that the Oscars are over with and Mickey Rourke didn't win best actor, I'll be curious to see what comes of his on again off again negotiations.
The full article by way of AICN is here: Blunt Not in Iron Man 2
:v Had a bad day at work Rogue? Perhaps the possibility that Nolan might not direct the third Batman film has soured your mood? Or are you stil yet to get over the fact that your beloved TDK was not beloved by the Academy? Because any of these scenarios might explain why you've reacting this way to an honest and minor mistake.
I don't know. Maybe you're still upset over my post in the TDK thread; maybe you're more sensitive than I give you credit for. Please tell me, because if it is the TDK post, then I will know to be less, uh, direct in the future.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
'09 is off to a good start between us, eh?
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Jackson's Fury in flurry of Marvel films
Nine-pic deal includes 'Iron Man 2,' 'Thor,' more
By Borys Kit
Feb 25, 2009, 05:30 PM ET
Updated: Feb 25, 2009, 06:16 PM ET
Samuel L. Jackson is Marvel's man.
The actor, who just weeks ago was seemingly on the outs with the studio over reprising his role as Nick Fury, agent of spy outfit S.H.I.E.L.D., has signed an unprecedented nine-picture deal to play the character in a series of Marvel movies.
The movies include "Iron Man 2," "Thor," "Captain America," "The Avengers" and its sequels.
Also on the table is the possibility of toplining a "S.H.I.E.L.D." movie, which is in development.
The actor, repped by ICM and Anonymous Content, made a surprise appearance as Fury at the end of the first "Iron Man," throwing geeks into a tizzy and showing the first glimpse of Marvel's plan to link all their slate of movies into one filmic universe.
Jackson and Fury were expected to be part of the sequel, but as Marvel negotiated with its cast, deals proved hard to come by. Terrence Howard was replaced by Don Cheadle. Mickey Rourke still doesn't have a deal for the part of a villain despite almost two months of negotiations.
Jackson's Fury in flurry of Marvel films
Nine-pic deal includes 'Iron Man 2,' 'Thor,' more
By Borys Kit
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i57845f198f95ed93c4667e6a026a4c6b
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Nick Fury and his organization SHIELD keep popping up as a looming, overarching presence in the Marvel universe. While Jackson was nowhere to be seen, SHIELD was referenced more than a few times in The Incredible Hulk movie as well as Iron Man this past summer. As such, it makes sense to sign Jackson to that kind of a contract since he and SHIELD will probably be the glue that helps bind all these disparate movies together.
Will we at least get to see the floating headquarters in the sequel? I want HYDRA!!!! B-)
I am truly estatic about Sam returning as Ultimate Nick in the sequel; for me at least, that was what I needed to get fully behind this sequel. Sure I would've gone to see it like the devoted comic nerd that I am but his incarnation in the books I've always liked and Sam is still cool. I can look over the Cheadle/Rhodey thing for now.
Downey, Jr. & SLJ can only equal total WIN.
Now if Sam can just redeem himself in this after the travesty known as The Spirit. 8-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
UPDATE: Mickey Rourke Officially in Iron Man 2
Source:Deadline Hollywood Daily March 12, 2009
After a lot of back and forth, Deadline Hollywood Daily has confirmed today that Mickey Rourke has officially signed on to play a villain in Iron Man 2:
I just heard that ICM has scored its second casting deal for Marvel's Iron Man 2. After at first being low-balled by the studio to the tune of $250K, Rourke has signed on for the role of the Russian villain in the sequel after his agent David Unger got the quote up to a "significant" level despite this punishing economic climate where the studios are taking advantage of talent. (No wonder Mickey kept thanking Unger so profusely in acceptance speeches for the BAFTA, Golden Globes, Spirit, and other awards.) But don't expect Marvel to confirm any of this: they won't until all the i's are dotted and t's crossed on the contracts. I can also tell you that Sony was considering hiring Mickey to play the villain in Spider-Man 4.
Director Jon Favreau will start shooting Iron Man 2 very soon for a May 7, 2010 release date.
UPDATE: Variety adds that Rourke will play "Whiplash, a character that includes elements from that comicbook villain and Crimson Dynamo, another Russian baddie."
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Just kidding.
Between this, the Samuel Jackson announcement and the fact that a bevy of beauties (including Scarlett Johansson) all seem to want to play the Black Widow, this movie suddenly has one of the stronger casts around.