Ever since news leaked about Mickey Rourke’s possible Iron Man 2 appearance, the casting scoop has been coming fast and furious.

Despite Samuel L. Jackson’s brief appearance as Nick Fury at the end of Iron Man, the Spirit actor recently told the LA Times that he might not be participating in the next feature - or the already announced Avengers franchise - after all.

“There was a huge kind of negotiation that broke down. I don’t know. Maybe I won’t be Nick Fury. Maybe somebody else will be Nick Fury or maybe Nick Fury won’t be in it. There seems to be an economic crisis in the Marvel Comics world so [they’re saying to me], ‘We’re not making that deal.’”

If true, Jackson would be the second person to lose out because of financial matters. Last October, contract negotiations were cited as the main reason behind Terrence Howard’s replacement.

Meanwhile, Sam Rockwell (Frost/Nixon) - who was once apparently considered for Robert Downey Jr.‘s part - has just confirmed his role in the sequel. Rockwell will take on “money dude” Justin Hammer, who’s considered to be Tony Stark’s corporate rival. “He takes over all the weapons stuff after Tony’s left,” Sam claims.

Actress Emily Blunt could be signing on to the film as well. The Devil Wears Prada star is reportedly in the lead to play Soviet spy Natasha Romanoff. Romanoff is also known also known as Black Widow, the alter ego with the high-tech, skintight costume.

Iron Man 2 is scheduled for release on May 7, 2010.