From celebrity cameos to deleted scenes, casting controversies to ‘Avengers’ buzz, it’s all here. By Larry Carroll Robert Downey Jr. in “Iron Man 2” Photo: Francois Duhamel It was two years ago that Tony Stark held a press conference, looked the world’s media in the eyes and announced: “The truth is … I am Iron Man.” In the months since, geeks, movie buffs and casual fans alike have been dreaming about what it could become, perusing every casting note and scoping out every last spoiler-heavy detail. We should know better than anybody, as we make a living doing just that. Now, the release of “Iron Man 2” is positioned to shatter records like Tony Stark taking down a terrorist cell — in fact, it has already nearly taken in its budget overseas . But before you see the no-cliffhanger flick , be sure to peruse our MTV News cheat sheet. In the ensuing paragraphs you’ll find everything you need to know before feasting on Jon Favreau’s eye candy, from surprise cameos to Tony Stark’s new suit, the energy-crisis plot and the latest adventures of the movie-star superhero . Favreau is on Franchise Fire Literally days after Jon Favreau became the hottest director in Hollywood, thanks to a $103 million opening weekend, we caught up with him to ask if he’d be following it up with “Iron Man 2” or “Avengers.” At the time, Favreau said it would most likely be one of the two, he just didn’t know which. Two years later, he told us he’s happy with his cut but is still so nervous that on Thursday morning he tweeted : “I can’t sleep. The movie opens in 24 hours.” When Favs showed up at Comic-Con last summer, he was pumped for the film and amazed at the thunderous reception . A few months later, while promoting his acting in “Couples Retreat” in September, we talked about the trickiness of using CGI in the film . Recently, we caught up with him again, and he dished on the rumors that had been swirling about a Gwyneth Paltrow dominatrix scene and a Thor cameo. A-Listers Only Everyone not named Terrence Howard would likely agree that this movie has been cast with the best of the best — from Robert and Gwyneth, to Samuel and Scarlett. Oscar nominee Don Cheadle is stepping in to play Rhodey, and we all remember how that one went down . Soon enough, Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johansson joined up, followed by Sam Rockwell . When you see the movie this weekend, imagine Rockwell as Tony Stark . Lastly, keep your eyes peeled for a surprise cameo by the late DJ AM . No Weeping Widow Last summer at Comic-Con, Scarlett playfully announced that her role as the Black Widow will kick some major ass . She wouldn’t admit if her character was good-natured or bad but said the training was intense. She described the Black Widow as a super-shape-shifter and admitted that the fight scenes were painful to film . Trailer Park The trailer , which dropped back in December, reveals some of the new adventures in store for Tony Stark in “Iron Man 2.” An MTV News shot-by-shot analysis reveals more, including his father’s involvement with the sequel. Downey gave us an inside look into his own life when he discussed his real-life father , saying Tony isn’t the only one who has had to live in a father’s shadows. Please, No Gang Signs Last December, a fun viral game had a fan unlocking a sneak peek at the film, while our set visit revealed even more. Sure, most people paying good money to see the movie this weekend will want a glimpse at Downey and the suit — but we’re just as excited about Sam Jackson as Nick Fury , a badass S.H.I.E.L.D. agent; Cheadle as War Machine ; and a Pepper Potts ready for action . Want some extra insight into the story line? Be sure to pick up the novel and some toys , and then you’ll feel more connected than Tony Stark himself. Oh, and one last thing: In case you didn’t learn your lesson from the first “Iron Man,” be sure to keep your butt in the seat past the end credits this time! Check out everything we’ve got on “Iron Man 2.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Iron Man 2’ Related Photos The Evolution Of: Gwyneth Paltrow ‘Iron Man 2’ Premieres In Los Angeles
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‘Iron Man 2’ Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know
