'Iron Man 2' Starts Production

Expanding Franchise

Marvel Studios has announced that Iron Man 2 has begun shooting, directed by Jon Favreau and written by Justin Theroux.  The film has a great cast, including Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johannson, Sam Rockwell, John Slattery, Mickey Rourke, and Samuel L. Jackson.  Negotiations with cast members have just been wrapped up, and Marvel has been keeping a tight hand on the purse strings (see “Marvel Slashes ScarJo’s Payday”).   Release date is May 7, 2010.