IRON MAN 2, which is currently in production and set for a global release through Paramount Pictures International over the April 30 weekend next year, sees Robert Downey Jr (pictured) resume his role as billionaire industrialist Tony Stark and his alter-ego Iron Man. Gwyneth Paltrow and Clark Gregg are also set to return as Pepper Potts and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson respectively. Meanwhile those joining the cast include Oscar nominee Don Cheadle as Colonel James Rhodes, this year's Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke as villain Whiplash, SamRockwell as Stark business rival Justin Hammer and Scarlett Johansson as femme fatale Black Widow.

Favreau has revealed that the plot takes place six months after the conclusion of the first film, where Stark announced his superhero identity to the world. Meanwhile Marvel said this week that 2011 summer title THOR is set to start shooting in early 2010 under the direction of Kenneth Branagh; and Zak Penn (THE INCREDIBLE HULK, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND) will write the screenplay for 2012 title THE AVENGERS.