April 20, 2010 12:06

'Iron Man 2' premiere hit by volcanic ash

World premiere moved from London to Los Angeles due to travel disruptions

The UK world premiere of Iron Man 2 has been cancelled and moved to Los Angeles due to ongoing air travel restrictions. The film was set for a slightly unconventional world premiere at the Vue Westfield in Shepherd's Bush, in what would have been a major publicity coup for the eponymous shopping complex.

Stars from the highly-anticipated action sequel such as a Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L Jackson were all due to fly to London to attend the event, which was to be held on Monday (April 26).

Yet with air travel still restricted due to ash clouds from Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano that will no longer be possible.

"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," Paramount said in a statement.

Paramount added that advanced discussions are in progress about a special screening at the Vue Westfield.

Miley Cyrus's The Last Song, another film due to have a London premiere, has also fallen victim to the disruptions.