Her rep confirms that the actress has signed on to play Black Widow in the Iron Man sequel opposite Robert Downey Jr. The deal was signed this afternoon.

"Scarlett is thrilled to be a part of Iron Man," her rep, Marcel Pariseau, tells me.

Meanwhile, after months of negotiations...

The Wrestler's comeback kid, Mickey Rourke, has finally sealed a deal to play villain Whiplash, according to Variety.

Rourke's team had reportedly held out for more money after Marvel's initial offer was just $250,000.

Scheduled for a May 2010 release, part two of the franchise will also include Gwyneth Paltrow returning as Pepper Potts, along with Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Don Cheadle playing Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes.

··· THEY SAID WHAT? Get today's most commented stories now at www.eonline.comMickey Rourke Wrestling With Iron Man 2Iron Man 2—Stat!Samuel L. Jackson's Ironclad Marvel DealRobert Downey Jr. Going the Distance With Iron ManBatman, Iron Man, Hulk Hoping for Oscar HeroicsIron Man 2 Switcheroo: Cheadle Replaces HowardFavreau Totally Blogs, Questions Iron Man II Date