Presumed Oscar lock Mickey Rourke sounds like he's waiting for some more green before he's ready to "bring it all" to "Iron Man 2." Originally speculated to be director Jon Favreau's pick to play Crimson Dynamo, then mentioned for the role of Whiplash, Rourke's casting as the former was denied by returning star Robert Downey Jr, who would neither confirm nor deny Rourke in the latter role.
But it now appears as though Rourke will pass on the film altogether. Put on the spot at Fashion Week in New York City, Rourke and his agent David Unger gave a crystal clear assessment of the "Wrestler" and "Sin City" star's casting status in Marvel Studios's rumor-magnet "Iron Man" sequel.
"Right now, we're not doing 'Iron Man 2,'" Rourke told New York Magazine.
Previously, various outlets reported that Rourke received a bargain basement offer of $250,000 to appear in the film -- a relatively low sum, given the likelihood that the actor will receive a "Best Actor" Academy Award next Sunday.
Conservative cash offers from Marvel have already jeopardized a return trip for Samuel L. Jackson, who surprise-cameoed at the end of "Iron Man" as Nick Fury with an implied role to play in the follow-up. The actor is already a no-brainer for the part, which was modeled off him for the Marvel Comics series "The Ultimates."
Whether these negotiation meltdowns are the result of economy-tied cutbacks or simple hardball bargaining tactics is entirely ripe for speculation, but one thing's for sure. There are a couple of A-list actors ready to walk away from "Iron Man 2" right now.
Here's hoping their coffers can keep Scarlett Johansson interested in playing Black Widow.
If Mickey Rourke isn't down for playing Whiplash (or whatever character he was cast to play), who else would you like to see scoop up the part? Do you think his reluctance will be warranted if he wins a Best Actor Oscar? Speak up in the comment section below!