ComingSoon.net is reporting on a lead over at Latino Review that confirms Ben Kingsley will be stepping into the role of The Mandarin for Iron Man 3… though he may not be the primary villain. While the overall plot seems to be loosely based on the Extremis story line (which can be seen in as a motion comic on Hulu and Netflix), the Mandarin will have some sideline involvement.
From Latino Review:
Here’s what we can CONFIRM as true (and not from some guy working security on an off-lot shoot): The Mandarin (as played by Ben Kingsley) is a villain in the ‘Iron Man 3,’ but he’s more a veiled threat as a silent partner to Guy Pearce’s Aldrich Killian. Killian is the man inventing Extremis and putting it into his “Extremis army” of multiple super-powered individuals.
Alrdich Killian is a newer villain, introduced specifically for the Extremis storyline. The Mandarin, however, is a long-time and continual foe to Iron Man. He’s a prodigious martial artist, but his primary source of power (in the comics) are the ten rings he wears, each with a different “power” or use (intrepid fans will remember that the secret terrorist organization in the first Iron Man film was also called The Ten Rings). If he’s taking a side seat in Iron Man 3, perhaps he’ll take the wheel in Iron Man 4?
Also of note is the appearance of the Iron Patriot armor. ComingSoon.net gives a scoop on that as well, noting that while Norman Osborn donned the suit in the comics, he likely will not be a character in Iron Man 3 because he’s a Spider-Man villain… and Fox still holds those rights. Regardless, it suffices to say my Nerd Alert is currently at Threat Level Midnight. I’m loving this.
With the country still riding high on The Avengers – which was finally knocked from its three week run at #1 by Men in Black III - I’m guessing news of any of Earths Mightiest Heroes will come with anticipation and excitement. So what do you think? Let us know in the comments!
