Washington, Jan 8 : American actor Mickey Rourke is in talks to star as a heavily tattooed Russian villain in Iron Man 2.

The `Wrestler' star is in discussions to play the Crimson Dynamo, a Russian arms dealer, who's considered to be an evil version of Iron Man because he battles the superhero in a nuclear-powered suit of armor, reports Variety.

The Marvel Entertainment sequel would be directed by Jon Favreau. The shooting will begin this spring.

Meanwhile, Rourke has been nominated for the `best actor' category at Hollywood's leading Spirit Awards for his comeback performance in the upcoming movie `The Wrestler'.

The 59-year-old actor played Randy "Ram" Robinson, a professional wrestler from the 1980s, who is drawn to the prospect of a rematch with his old wrestling nemesis even though the fight may cost him his life. (ANI)