Mickey Rourke may have failed to win the best actor Oscar statuette, but he was still the subject of many talks even after the Academy Awards ceremony ended, as he is reportedly preparing to take on a new exciting role.

 

MSNBC cited some Hollywood insiders as saying that Mickey Rourke’s name is featured on a brief list for a lead role in “Iron Man 2.” “He's proven himself a sentimental favorite, which will be good for the box office, and it's a little-known fact that he trains with a martial arts master in L.A.,” MSNBC quoted one source as declaring.

 

The report follows several rumors with regard to the actor’s return to obscurity after failing to win a top honor at Sunday night’s Academy Awards.

 

However, the 56-year-old was not the only one who registered a tragic miss last week. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is in the same situation as well, as the critically acclaimed production was a high-status victim.

 

The drama starring Brad Pitt led the contenders list with 13 nods, but took home only three statuettes, which were in technical categories. The movie, which deals with a man who ages in reverse, was outshone by “Slumdog Millionaire” that grabbed eight awards, including top prizes such as best picture and director.

 

Mickey Rourke, whose film career disappeared in the shadow years ago, saw a major comeback with "The Wrestler," in which he impersonates a fighter whose golden days are likewise departed. The much-admired movie received two nominations, but Rourke lost out to "Milk" star Sean Penn, while Marisa Tomei lost the supporting actress race to Penelope Cruz, who won the award for her performance in Woody Allen’s "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."