Rourke cast in 'Passion,' 'Iron Man 2'

LOS ANGELES, March 12 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Mickey Rourke, who has been enjoying a career revival thanks to his Oscar-nominated turn in "The Wrestler," is set to star in "Passion Plays."

The Hollywood Reporter said the independent film is being written by "Scrooged" and "The Recruiter" screenwriter Mitch Glazer.

Glazer is also set to direct the drama, the plot of which is being closely guarded.

A female co-star hasn't been cast yet, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

Rourke's film credits include "Rumble Fish," "Barfly," "The Pope of Greenwich Village," "9 1/2 Weeks" and "Sin City." He recently signed on to appear in the movies "The Expendables" and "Broken Horses" and will soon be seen in the film "The Informers."

Variety.com reported that Rourke has also been cast as the villain Whiplash in "Iron Man 2."

Scarlett Johansson's publicist told E! News the actress will play Black Widow in the "Iron Man" sequel, as well.