Mickey Rourke finds 'Passion'

Actor also confirmed to co-star in 'Iron Man 2'

By Steven Zeitchik

March 11, 2009, 08:03 PM ET

Mickey Rourke keeps wrestling down the gigs.

The resurgent actor has attached himself to "Passion Plays," in what will mark the first dramatic role he has signed on for since winning a Golden Globe and other kudos for his performance in "The Wrestler."

Mitch Glazer will write and direct the indie tale, the logline of which is being kept under wraps. The film is said to be seeking a female lead opposite Rourke.

Glazer is the screenwriter behind the Al Pacino CIA saga "The Recruit" and the Bill Murray holiday comedy "Scrooged." Both Rourke and Glazer are repped by ICM.

Rourke's reps also confirmed Wednesday that he closed a deal for "Iron Man 2," in which he will play the Russian villain to Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark.

Since gaining acclaim for playing the gentle-giant part of Randy the Ram in "Wrestler," Rourke has signed on for movies across a host of genres, including the Sylvester Stallone actioner "The Expendables" and the Indian gangster movie "Broken Horses." He also will appear in Senator Entertainment's upcoming Hollywood glam tale "The Informers."

Before his career took some odd turns in the 1990s, Rourke was known for playing the rebel in movies like 1983's "Rumble Fish" but also more literary parts, including his starring turn in 1987's alcoholic drama "Barfly."

Mickey Rourke finds 'Passion'

Actor also confirmed to co-star in 'Iron Man 2'

By Steven Zeitchik

March 11, 2009, 08:03 PM ET