First look at Rourke As Whiplash

USA Today has posted a first look image of Mickey Rourke as new Iron Man baddie Whiplash.

Rourke plays the part of Russian criminal Ivan Vanko and judging by his jail tattoos and makeshift outfit, you can see he will be a different breed of nemesis. Armed with two electrifying whips, Rourke’s character has the ability to channel energy through a familiar chest piece.

In the Marvel comic books Whiplash was a weapon designer who worked for Tony Stark’s main competitor Justin Hammer. Although Jon Favreau hasn’t gone on record to say this runs contrary to the film’s interpretation of the character, he did say this:

“[Whiplash] has constructed his own version of a suit.” Following this Favreau said, “We like to play into and against the expectations that people might have, so we mixed it up a bit.”

Speaking about the casting of Rourke in this role, Favreau was sure he had the right man:

“It was very important that the villain be as compelling as can be… Once I thought of Mickey in that role, it made me understand how to shape the story.”

Iron Man 2 is scheduled for release 07 May 2010.