Emily Blunt, who will be seen next in Universal's THE WOLF MAN, has emerged as a frontrunner to play the role of Natasha Romanoff in IRON MAN 2, per VARIETY.

The character is a Soviet spy who doubles as Black Widow, who wears a skintight black costume enhanced by high-tech weapons. Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell are negotiating to play the two key villains in the Marvel Ent. production set for a summer 2010 release from Paramount.

Marvel did not comment on casting for Black Widow. Justin Theroux is writing the script that Jon Favreau will direct.