Rourke’s ready to rumble as Iron Man villain; first image from sequel depicts fearsome bad guy

Rourke’s ready to rumble as Iron Man villain

LOS ANGELES — Mickey Rourke’s bruising opponents in “The Wrestler” don’t look so tough compared to his new foe: Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man.

Distributor Paramount has released the first photo of Rourke as villain Whiplash in the upcoming sequel, “Iron Man 2.”

Rourke is dressed for battle in the image, his torso and arms wrapped in metal braces sporting weapons and a chest device resembling the portable power plant that runs Downey’s Iron Man suit.

While Downey is completely encased in his metal suit, Rourke’s Whiplash outfit shows off a lot of flesh, along with plenty of tattoos coating the character’s skin.

Directed by Jon Favreau, “Iron Man 2″ kicks off Hollywood’s 2010 summer season next May 7.