Iron Man 2' World Premiere Moves to L.A to Avoid Ash

Even Iron-Man feels the wrath of volcanic ash.

The ash is forecast to shift the "Iron Man 2" world premiere across the globe from London to Los Angeles, due to hazardous flight conditions.

Gambling911 and Media Man are trying to play fortune teller, as we try to navigate around the ash.

Punters and insiders are reminded the the iGaming Super Show is to be in Prague from May 23 - 28.  We think the ash would have gone by then!  Some betting agencies are taking bets on it with Paddy Power making the most noise.

Movie Business Mayhem

Paramount and Marvel Entertainment advised in a statement "Due to the continuing air travel uncertainty, Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment have taken the decision to move the 'Iron Man 2' world premiere and junket to Los Angeles. A press release will be issued in due course advising of this event and confirming talent attendance."

The film, which stars Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Mickey Rourke and Gwyneth Paltrow, was due to screen on 25th April.

The volcanic eruption been throwing things into chaos in Europe since Thursday and has kept many film types and Hollywooders from travelling to and from the continent.

Last week a number of delegates at the Mip TV happening were stranded in Cannes due to flight delays and cancellations across the majority of airlines.

In the U.K., all flights in and out of the country have been suspended since 15th April when wind patterns carrying the ash into the atmosphere impaired visibility and made air travel unsafe.

News reports differ as to when airports may re-open.

The news isn't all bad for Marvel superhero fans or the Marvel franchise.

Marvel has in place a number of strategic b2b deals in place with gaming companies including PartyGaming. Their PartyCasino and Noble Casino websites offer a range of Marvel hero themed online slot games. Party competitor Virgin Games offer Marvel slot games for those located in most parts of Britain - Europe, Canada and a few other places, but no Aussies yet.

Earlier this week we covered Movie Box Office future market operators, Cantor Exchange and Trend Exchange. We think they would be having been having a field day with the 'Iron-Man' chaos, if they had of been up and running and fully operational by now. We understand the proposal is currently with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission.  Legal eagles tell us that so far, so good, but the launch could be a number of weeks or months away at this stage of the game.

It's understood that Hollywood heavyweight Sly Stallone and his 'The Expendables' flick and cast are keen to see the exchange proposals move forward. Sly, if they need more encouragement just pick up the phone and call on over Arnie, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Bruce Willis, Randy Couture and Mickey Rourke... just kidding, we think.  Ah, Lew Wasserman from 'The Last Mogul'  fame would be proud. Stallone and mate Arnold Schwarzenegger, are both featured in game titles developed by PartyGaming 'The Games Studio'. Richard Branson's Virgin Games is also to be watching this space closely. In circa 2008 Virgin launched Virgin Comics, however the project never reached fruition, despite signing Marvel icon Stan Lee. Virgin are set to open banks offering a range of financial services across Britain, then forecast growth across Europe, so Branson may be wild card to watch. Branson often also does his own stunts and has bought his way into cameo roles, where as Lee often get asked.  Watch this space for more details as our spies work hard for you're entertainment dollar!

Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures hedging bets...

The show must go on, and Marvel and Paramount have smartly diversified into a number of areas over the past few years, not just relying on movies any more, although that is what drives the business forward. Marvel is currently fighting off a legal situation from CryptoLogic - WagerLogic.  Where's Captain America when you need him most? Media Man's money is on Marvel if it goes down to the wire.  As Marvel icon Stan Lee says, Excelsior!

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen industries they cover

*Media Man has conducted b2b with various arms of PartyGaming and Virgin Enterprises Limited