Casting Problems Plague "Iron Man 2"

In yet another setback for the sequel to "Iron Man," it looks like its Black Widow may be deserting for Jack Black.

Emily Blunt had been offered the role of Black Widow in "Iron Man 2," but is currently in negotiations to appear in 20th Century Fox's "Gulliver's Travels," a modern retelling of Jonathan's Swift's story with Jack Black as Lemuel Gulliver and potentially Jason Segel as his friend Horatio, The Hollywood Reporter says. Since Fox still holds an option on Blunt – part of the deal when she signed on for "The Devil Wears Prada" – they may choose to invoke it, making her part in the "Iron Man" franchise virtually impossible.

According to Variety, Blunt's representatives are trying to negotiate so the actress can shoot both films, but the movies' schedules couldn't be more incompatible. "Gulliver's Travels" is set to start filming in the U.K. in late March, while "Iron Man 2" will commence in early April in Manhattan Beach, California.

The latest "Iron Man 2" casting drama comes after the superhero sequel offered Mickey Rourke a meager $250,000 to play Crimson Dynamo. MTV reports that the studio's salary cutbacks have reportedly caused Samuel L. Jackson to question his part in the movie.

The casting for villain Justin Hammer, believed to be a done deal for Sam Rockwell, also appears to be on shaky grounds. In an interview with the Salt Lake Tribune during the Sundance Film Festival, Rockwell offered only "Hopefully it'll work out. Fingers crossed," when asked about the role.

A few things are certain, though. Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow will reprise their roles, while Don Cheadle will take the part of Colonel James Rhodes, previously played by Terrence Howard. Director Jon Favreau is also set to return to the franchise.