MUMBAI: Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures will release the action-adventure Iron Man 2 at Imax theatres across the world for a limited two weeks’ run.

The movie, directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey, Jr., will open for a special limited two-week engagement in 182 Imax theatres in the US on 7 May, 2010, and in 68 Imax theatres internationally, with 51 of those runs opening this weekend.

In India, the movie will be released in Hyderabad’s Prasad Imax Theatre and Mumbai’s Big Cinemas Imax Theatre by Paramount Pictures of India.

"The buzz surrounding Iron Man 2 is continuing to grow rapidly, and the Imax release is certainly contributing to it by driving excitement and anticipation to experience the film in the best possible way. We’re very happy that the Imax release is available to moviegoers worldwide, and we’re looking forward to starting with international runs this weekend," said Marvel Studios COO Tim Connors.

"Iron Man 2 has become a highly anticipated part of our 2010 film slate, and our growing network will enable us to further capitalize on the global appeal of this film. This action-packed title is ideally suited to The Imax Experience, and we’re very optimistic that audiences around the world will seek out the most in-your-face way to experience it," said Imax CEO Richard L. Gelfond.

"Marvel’s iconic Iron Man story, Jon Favreau’s brilliant vision and The Imax Experience were made for each other, and audiences are in for an exciting and thrilling ride when they go to see Iron Man 2 in an Imax theatre," added Imax Filmed Entertainment chairman and president Greg Foster.

In Iron Man 2, Downey is joined by an all-star cast of heroes and villains, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

The movie’s screenplay is by Justin Theroux and is produced by Kevin Feige.