Jessica Chastain in talks to join Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3 grows more promising by the day, with yet another quality actor soon to be added to an already impressive roster. Jessica Chastain is the latest star to be linked with the project, following yesterday's announcement that Guy Pearce is also on the brink of signing on.

Deadline reports that the Take Shelter star has been earmarked to play a scientist, although no further details have been confirmed. It's thought that the part in question could be Dr. Maya Hansen, one of the co-creators of the Extremis virus.

That would fit in with Pearce's potential casting as Aldrich Killian, the geneticist responsible for selling the virus to the terrorists who go on to use it to target Iron Man.

Ben Kingsley has also been cast as the film's primary villain, who will be involved in the distribution of said virus, which does its damage via the medium of nanotechnology. It just so happens that Iron Man has recently upgraded his suit with the same technology, making him more vulnerable than ever before.

Should Chastain sign on, she'll join an impressive ensemble that already contains Robert Downey Junior, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and the aforementioned Kingsley. Directed by Shane Black, Iron Man 3 will open on the UK on 3 May 2013.

George Wales

George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.