UPDATE: It's Official: Rourke to Play 'Iron Man 2' Baddie, Johansson Also Signs On

We all figured this would happen eventually -- and if Nikki Finke is right, it looks like Mickey Rourke (and his agent) have successfully negotiated their way into Iron Man 2. News broke last month that Rourke was in negotiations for the role of the Russian villain, but that Marvel was shooting back some low numbers that weren't very giant summer blockbustery (if you know what I mean). The same thing had happened earlier when Marvel tried to negotiate with Samuel L. Jackson to reprise his role as Nick Fury, but after a little of this and a little of that, Jackson finally signed a mega deal to appear in nine Marvel movies.

According to Finke, the same negotiation tactics were used to finally stick Rourke in the role. The actor is currently in Russia promoting The Wrestler, and will reportedly begin prepping for the role immediately (by chugging shots of vodka and smashing them over the heads of unsuspecting fans?). Rourke's character is described as "Tony Stark's Russian alter ego, a heavily tattooed bruiser who is in the arms trade and battles Iron Man in his own nuclear-powered armored suit." Finke added that Rourke was also being considered to play the main villain in Spider-Man 4, too, though that probably won't happen now. Maybe it was that other potential deal that got this one rolling? Iron Man 2 will hit theaters on May 7, 2010.

So whaddya think? Which movie would you rather see Rourke in playing villain: Iron Man 2 or Spider-Man 4?

UPDATE: Nikki Finke also posts now that Scarlett Johansson has officially signed to replace Emily Blunt as the Black Widow, and, unlike Rourke's deal, hers is a little crappier. Not only is Johansson tied to this sequel, but Finke says her contract "ties her to countless movies" ... including The Avengers in 2011.