First spotted over at Comic Book, a last-minute addition to the ensemble cast of Marvel's Shane Black-directed third Iron Man installment has been revealed. After being snapped in a photo with the film's chief producer, sources from the Chinese actor's camp and Mtime.com can confirm that it's Wang Xueqi who's joining the film.
The site reports that the 66-year-old actor will portray Chen Lu, who was a scientist before becoming the villain known as Radioactive Man. In the comics, he was often employed by The Mandarin, played by Sir Ben Kingsley.
While not reported, Hong Kong singer/actor Andy Lau was originally up for Xueqi's role, which was described as an ally of Tony Stark. However, Lau had to drop the role wanting to spend time with his family. It's also worth noting that Chen Lu is said to feature in the post-credits scene of Iron Man 3, which will set up Edgar Wright's fourthcoming Ant-Man movie. Anyhow, it seems we can expect a trailer next month. What do you think?
Described as a “technological crisis thriller,” set in the world of international war, arms & terror, Marvel Studios' “Iron Man 3” stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Dale Dickey, Ashley Hamilton, James Badge Dale, with Sir Ben Kingsley and Jon Favreau. Shane Black (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) takes over directorial duties from Jon Favreau, who helmed the first two “Iron Man” films. Principal photography will occur primarily in North Carolina and China. And “Iron Man 3” is set for release in May 3, 2013.