Cast of Iron Man 2

Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark, who is a wealthy industrialist and the armored superhero known as Iron Man.

Gwyneth Paltrow portrays Virginia 'Pepper' Potts, the supportive assistant and love interest of Tony Stark.

Don Cheadle plays James 'Rhodey' Rhodes, who becomes Tony Stark's ally and dons the War Machine armor.

Scarlett Johansson takes on the role of Natalie Rushman, who is revealed to be Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow.

Sam Rockwell portrays Justin Hammer, a rival weapons manufacturer who seeks to undermine Tony Stark.

Mickey Rourke plays Ivan Vanko, also known as Whiplash, who seeks revenge against Tony Stark.

Samuel L. Jackson appears as Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., who recruits Stark for a larger purpose.

Clark Gregg plays Phil Coulson, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who works closely with Tony Stark.

John Slattery portrays Howard Stark, Tony Stark's father and a key figure in his life.

Garry Shandling plays Senator Stern, a politician who is skeptical of Tony Stark's activities.

Paul Bettany provides the voice for J.A.R.V.I.S., the artificial intelligence that assists Tony Stark.

Leslie Bibb plays Christine Everhart, a journalist who covers Stark's technological developments.