Scarlett Johansson has been cast as Russian femme fatale Black Widow in the highly anticipated sequel to last summer’s blockbuster Iron Man. The Golden Globe-nominated star joins fellow castmates Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, and franchise newcomer Mickey Rourke, who will take on the role of villian Whiplash, Yahoo! has learned.

“Scarlett is thrilled to be a part of Iron Man,” the actress’ Marcel Pariseau said Thursday.

Iron Man 2 is scheduled for release in May 2010.