No Howard Stark Role for Tim Robbins in 'Iron Man 2'

© Janet Mayer/PR Photos

Despite the percolating rumor, "Iron Man 2" apparently won't see Tim Robbins playing Tony Stark's father, Howard Stark. In an interview with ReelTalk recently, the 50-year-old actor indicated that he won't be seen as the founder of Stark Industries in the "Iron Man" sequel, saying "That was an Internet rumor. Can't trust those Internets."

Back in December 2008, Latino Review has come up with a scoop that Robbins is going to replace Gerard Sanders, the actor who plays the character in the first film. The site moreover claimed that the actor will be seen in an important flashback sequence which will set up the "The Avengers" and "The First Avenger: Captain America" films.

To be directed by Jon Favreau, "Iron Man 2" has "Tropic Thunder" co-scribbler Justin Theroux attached to pen the story. Seeing the return of Robert Downey Jr. as the superhero in armored iron suit, the sequel picks up Don Cheadle in place of Terrence Howard's Colonel James 'Rhodey' Rhodes. This Marvel adaptation is scheduled to be released in U.S. theaters on May 7, 2010.

An Academy Award-winning actor, Tim Robbins is known for his performances in "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Mystic River". Since landing a role in 1984 "Toy Soldiers", he has appeared in multiple feature films, including "Dead Man Walking", "Cradle Will Rock" and "War of the Worlds". He was last seen starring as Loris Harrow in "City of Ember".