Both long rumoured to be in talks for roles in Iron-Man 2, news broke today that Scarlett Johannson and Mickey Rourke have officially signed on for the Marvel sequel. Johannson will play S.H.I.E.L.D agent Black Widow, while Rourke will be playing the villain Whiplash.

John Favreau returns to the director’s chair and Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark. Scarlett Johannson replaces Emily Blunt, who had to pull out due to contractual obligations. I think Scarlett is a good choice for a variety of reasons I am of course talking about her acting ability, and nothing else!

After being low-balled and offered a measley $250,000 for the role, apparently Rourke and his people have settled on a more reasonable deal. Pretty shameful that Marvel would offer to pay Rourke so little for the sequel to a movie that grossed over half a billion dollars. Rourke is a talented guy and a hot commodity these days: pay the man! Iron-Man 2 is due out next year.

Scarlett Johannson & Mickey Rourke Help Raise Iron Curtain @ E! Online