We’ll begin with the news Jessica Chastain has been offered a role in Iron Man 3 opposite Robert Downey Jr. as “a sexy scientist every bit as smart as Tony Stark.” See, Hollywood doesn’t objectify women… sure, she’s sexy but she’s also every bit as smart as the film’s lead character. Not almost as smart, but every bit as smart. Oh, and she’ll probably be seen in a short skirt and low cut top, but that’s just what the girls are wearing nowadays… no biggie.
Deadline reports The Help star was originally in the running, but roles in The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby and Kathryn Bigelow‘s Zero Dark Thirty were causing for scheduling conflicts, which was when the likes of Diane Kruger, Gemma Arterton and Isla Fisher became a possibility. But it appears her schedule was sorted out and she’ll be able to work on the film, which is set to begin production in May.
Next we come to a rather fascinating rumor from NeonPunch (via Twitch) that says Hong Kong action star Andy Lau (Infernal Affairs) is in final negotiations to join Iron Man 3 as well.
Word is the role Lau is being offered to fill is a scientist who comes to Tony Stark’s aid and provides him some new tech to help in his battle against the film’s chief villains — Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce, the latter as Aldrich Killian whose Extremis biotechnology is at the center of the film’s plot.
With recent news that Iron Man 3 will be a co-production with China and portions of the film shooting in China later this summer this comes as no surprise and should Lau land the role this will certainly bolster the film’s prospects in the country.
Iron Man 3 is set to hit theaters on May 3, 2013. The film is being directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) and along with those already mentioned, the cast includes returning members Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow and Scarlett Johansson.
