Joss Whedon Announces Ultron As The Villain In AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Teasing Tigra As Well And Aaron Johnson Comments On Quicksilver Casting

Joss Whedon has finally announced the title for the Avengers sequel which is entitled Avengers: Age Of Ultron. Confirming that Ultron will be the villain of the feature instead of the long rumored Thanos. Whedon goes even further by stating they'll altering his origin as Hank Pym won't be his creator. It had been thought that Ultron would be saved for Ant-Man or introduced there first. That doesn't seem to be the case and the robotic baddie could instead have connections to Captain America: The Winter Soldier instead.

Joss also mentioned to DigitalSpy his interest in trying to get female Avenger Tigra "The Were Woman" added to the lineup. Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver (Aaron Johnson?) have been confirmed as new additions as well and could end up villains too. He's stated problems with trying to use both Wonder Man and Ms. Marvel/Captain Marvel as they aren't cinematic or compelling enough characters. Tigra would be something different and would finally give a us a female heroine with powers. It's possible that Whedon could make lesser known Avengers members compelling and have stay within the Avengers franchise.

"I kind of have a thing for Tigra; I'm not gonna lie. I remember being an adolescent boy going, 'She's furry, but that should be gross and it's kind of not. That's hot!" 

While promoting both Kick-Ass 2 and Godzilla actor Aaron Johnson briefly commented on the talk that he is being pursued for the role of Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron to MTV. Oddly enough, he doesn't deny anything but gives hints it's a strong possibility. It's starting to sound like the character ends up on the villainous-side of a divided S.H.I.E.L.D. which is expected to be seen in Captain America: The Winter Solider.

“Oh, that’s um, I don’t think I can talk about that, but it’s definitely an exciting prospect…”

“Yeah, it really is. [QuickSilver] has a really interesting character and background. In fact, my wife has just been out and bought the first ever cover, a really really old vintage one where it’s the first time Quicksilver’s ever been on the front cover.”

Hugh Jackman Wants Marvel/Fox/Sony To Workout A Deal For Wolverine And Spider-Man To Join THE AVENGERS

If Robert Downey Jr is the face of MCU, then Hugh Jackman is the poster-boy of Fox's X-Men franchise. The actor and producer was recently asked by Collider if he'd like to join The Avengers. We've previously heard promising talk from X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner that she'd love to see X-Men characters involved in sequels (with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver already set for the second installment). Jackman goes further and says he's talked to the Marvel liaison to the studios about putting it together with Fox and even mentions Spidey (calling out Sony?) needing to be involved. A lot of profit sharing deals and extended contracts would have to be signed for this to even be considered. Studios aren't keen on sharing their superheroes and Marvel/Disney might not be willing to share profits with multiple studios. The film logo for Oscorp (from Amazing Spider-Man) showed up in a video game promoting Iron Man 3, which looked like the first step in bridging the multi-studio franchises into one single cohesive Marvel film universe.

"I literally asked the same question the other day to Tom from Marvel who works with all the other studios, he works with Sony and Fox, that’s his job to liaise. I said, ‘Man, can this happen?’ and he goes ‘Look, it’s not gonna be easy because you’re working with different studios and they’re their properties.’ But I believe—maybe I’m optimistic, I understand at Marvel they’ve got The Avengers, they’ve got a lot of big things going on, but at some point I just find it almost impossible that there’s not a way to bring Iron Man, all the Avengers characters, Wolverine, the X-Men characters, Spider-Man, and somehow get them in together." 

"I don’t see the impediment! I’m like, okay you’ve got three studios, just split it three ways in terms of the cost, and happy days it’s all coming together! I would love to… I’m in for it, I’m totally up for it because I think that would be really exciting for fans across the board." 

However, it would make sense to have other characters inhabit the same cinematic world and could be a giant way to promote other characters. Neither the X-Men films or Spider-Man films have reached a billion like Iron Man 3. The only thing is that Joss Whedon and Kevin Feige have seemed hesitant about the idea, since they could develop new characters and franchises within the MCU instead. Sharing that much screentime with outside Marvel characters might take away from others. Then again, Feige has brought up the idea of Civil War (for the third installment) which would make an excellent excuse to bring in Spidey and Wolverine. There had also been rumblings that Sony might have to sell off characters like Spider-Man and Marvel/Disney would be expected to pay top dollar to get the rights back. Fox on the other hand are about to announce an X-Force film and will likely finally greenlight Deadpool at Comic-Con.

SPECULATION: Does Marvel Want Vin Diesel To Play A Villainous Namor The Sub-Mariner, Making Way For PLANET HULK And THE DEFENDERS?

It was revealed that Vin Diesel could meet with Marvel about a possible role. At that point yesterday there wasn't much to go on besides an old posting of a picture of Vision. A few years back Vin Diesel told MTV his dream Marvel roles would include a villain naming Dr. Doom or Namor The Sub-Mariner. Namor is considered the first mutant but is exempt from Fox's X-Men deal and his film rights are with Marvel. While Doom is securely still with Fox for their Fantastic Four reboot which is about to start production. So it sounds like Marvel might be looking to cast him as Namor McKenzie better known as The Sub-Mariner. He also posted this image as well.

“I would be [more] apt to play a villain,” Diesel revealed to MTV News. “[I'd like to play] the protagonist of a story that is also like a Marvel villain – like Doctor Doom or something.”

“I have some superhero favorites,” Diesel admitted. “I talked to ['The Surrogates' director] Jonathan Mostow about ‘Sub-Mariner,’ which could be interesting because of its World War II-New York connection.”

The sometimes villain and hero has been hinted to in Iron Man 2 with the Meta Human map at a possible location for Namor's kingdom Atlantis along with Black Panther's country Wakanda. Another possible hint to Namor includes his company Oracle with the sprinkling of ads for Sun Oracle Systems in Avengers and Iron Man 3. At one point there were rumblings that both Captain America: The First Avenger and Iron Man 3 would feature him.

Namor could make excellent villain or hero for Avengers 2 or beyond, depending on the plans of Phase Two and Phase Three. Since it's very possible the new threat on Earth could come from the Atlantis. Since Namor did team-up with the Hulk to take on the Avengers in issue three. It's possible that Marvel might be trying to put together a Defenders lineup for the MCU which included Hulk, Doctor Strange Namor and Asgardian heroine Brunhilde The Valkyrie which might setup Civil War for Avengers 3. If Strange is going to be the new Iron Man for Phase Three then he's going to need to lead his own team of superheroes. The Defenders could end up a solid successor to The Avengers if handled properly by the studio. LatinoReview has mentioned The Illuminati being involved with an Avengers sequel leading to a Planet Hulk film which could all fit together nicely if Namor is introduced into the MCU.

RUMOR: Armie Hammer And Edgar Wright Spotted On CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER Set, Will Hammer Have A Role In ANT-MAN Or The MCU?

ScreenRant was able to speak with actor Armie Hammer (Social Network, J. Edgar) during his press junket for Disney's The Lone Ranger. They brought up that Armie and Ant-Man director Edgar Wright had been spotted on the set of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Which has fuelled speculation that Hammer could be involved with the MCU and it's likely he could have a lead role in Ant-Man. Hammer does confirm that he was indeed on set but Edgar Wright took to Twitter to deny he was ever there.

Hammer had been originally cast as Batman in George Miller's purposed Justice League film which got the axe. Having Armie take on a superhero role isn't much of a stretch. Cobie Smulders who played Maria Hill in Avengers had been eyed for Wonder Woman in Joss Whedon's purposed film which never ended up getting off the ground. Not to mention his Lone Ranger co-stars have also been linked previously to Marvel projects. Johnny Depp had been wanted for the role of Doctor Strange a few years back and Ruth Wilson is apparently on the studio's radar for Ms. Marvel or another part. Also, Simon Pegg had stated he wouldn't play Ant-Man because the role was going to an American actor.

It's possible Joss Whedon and Edgar Wright have already talked about including characters from Ant-Man in Avengers 2, to setup Ant-Man as the first stage of Phase Three. Having either Hank Pym or Scott Lang have a small cameo in Captain America 2 wouldn't be hard to imagine. Since we've seen similar setups with other Marvel films. It's also possible that Hammer could be up for another part in the MCU which is considerably endless with Doctor Strange, Inhumans and other films on the horizon.

Robert Downey Jr. Officially Signs Deal To Appear In AVENGERS 2 And AVENGERS 3

Marvel confirms that Robert Downey Jr. will indeed play Tony Stark/Iron Man for two more films. As Robert has officially signed a two-picture deal to play Stark in both Avengers 2 and Avengers 3. This deal doesn't include any future Iron Man films. It's possible a bigger deal might need to be made for him to sign an Iron Man 4 contract or Marvel could give the franchise some time to breathe. Instead of rushing into a new trilogy giving the massive backlog of new characters (Black Panther, Iron Fist, Ms Marvel) a chance to get their films released. The Avengers and Iron Man 3 have collectively earned Marvel $2.7 billion, so it's an investment they had to make. Robert Downey Jr. and his take on Tony Stark is currently the glue of the MCU which will see him sticking around till the end of Phase Three. Details of the deal aren't being mentioned but it's possible that sort of information will be leaked eventually.

Joss Whedon Hints Loki Won't Be In AVENGERS 2 And Brian Tyler Hired To Compose Score For THOR THE DARK WORLD

Joss Whedon has revealed to Empire that our favorite Marvel conflicted villain Loki played by Tom Hiddleston won't be showing up in Avengers 2. Loki is still playing a rather large role in Thor: The Dark World. As he has to join forces with his brother Thor to save the nine realms from a bigger threat.

“First of all, imitating what I did before is the surest way to do it not as well. Second of all, Loki’s not there to say those terrible things. Although I do think we should bring the word back. Not as an insult. It’s just a nice word.”

Also, composer Brian Tyler (Expendables 1-2, Rambo) has been hired to score the Thor sequel according to FilmMusicReporter. Tyler recently did the score for Iron Man 3 which has seemingly impressed the folks over at Marvel. He'll be replacing previous composer Carter Burwell (True Grit) who left over creative differences.

Aaron Johnson Front-Runner For Quicksilver In AVENGERS 2

TheWrap is reporting that British actor Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass 1-2, Godzilla, Anna Karenina, Savages) is the front-runner to play Quicksilver in Joss Whedon's Avengers 2. Recently, Bryan Singer cast Aaron's Kick-Ass co-star Evan Peters in the same role in X-Men Days of Future Past. However, since both Fox and Marvel share the character rights (Scarlet Witch and Qucksilver) they are eligible to hire different actors to play them. There was some question if they would have the same pair of actors play the roles in both films but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Aaron Johnson was actually in the running for a role in X-Men First Class. Which was likely Hank McCoy/Beast that ended up going to Nicholas Hoult (who was championed by then producer Bryan Singer). There was also speculation Johnson was in the mix for Cyclops or even Gambit but neither characters ended in First Class. Aaron was also a possible candidate for Peter Parker in Marc Webb's Amazing Spider-Man but role ultimately went to Andrew Garfield. So it's likely he's keen on a Marvel role it's just finding the right one. Marvel is rumored to be looking at Irish actress Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) for the role of Scarlet Witch.

Joss Whedon Hinting Again That Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver Might Be Villains In AVENGERS 2?

While promoting his new feature film Much Ado About Nothing, Joss Whedon spoke briefly on The Tavis Smiley Show (via CBM) about the sequel. He talked about including Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver in Avengers 2. Which seemingly hinted to their history of being foes of The Avengers. An aspect that has been sort of hinted at previously by Joss. The main villain of the sequel seemingly might come down to Thanos, The Collector (Benicio Del Toro?) or Ronan The Accuser but it's sounding like the Maximoff twins will also give The Avengers some conflict. It's not known if Evan Peters (Kick-Ass, American Horror Story) will also play Quicksilver in the sequel, after being cast in the role for X-Men Days of Future Past.

"We are introducing Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch who are mainstays of The Avengers universe, they're foes, they've been allies and they're very interesting to me because I grew up reading The Avengers. They have powers that are visually exciting, different from the characters we've seen before so I'm excited to knock them against The Avengers and see what shakes loose." 

Benicio Del Toro Playing Marvel Villain The Collector In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Leading To An AVENGERS 2 Apparence?

CBM is reporting a rumor that could be revealing who exactly Benicio Del Toro is playing in Guardians of The Galaxy. It was mentioned that Del Toro would be apart of multiple films which led people to believe he would end up playing Thanos. However, that doesn't seem to be the case as Benicio might be playing better known as The Collector. The sometime Avengers villain had already been confirmed for the film as Ophelia Lovibond was reported to be playing The Collector's aide. Giving the impression she might be playing his daughter Carina who also becomes a powerful Marvel villain. It's possible he could also end up becoming one of the main baddies of Avengers 2.

Hugh Jackman Ending His Run As WOLVERINE?

Hugh Jackman broke out to international audiences thanks to his role as Wolverine in 2000's X-Men. He has played the role six times by next Summer and is rumored he could show up in Avengers 2, if Fox/Marvel do end up playing nice (which has been alluded to for months). Some are curiously debating the end of Robert Downey Jr's run as Tony Stark/Iron Man but is Hugh Jackman also ready to give someone else the part? In a brief interview with EW Jackman comments a bit of future rolls which sounds a bit like both films have to be major successes (fan demand to see more). Being a bit upset over the fan/audience backlash over Origins which almost everyone disliked.

The site does tease Wolverine being in Avengers 2 but nothing more than a chance is mentioned. It's ultimately up to the producers and Fox to allowing the crossover. Lauren Shuler Donner the main producer of the X-Men franchise has stated previously she'd love to see the X-Men in the Avengers sequels. Marvel and Fox are already likely sharing Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch in X-Men Days of Future Past and Avengers 2, so having Wolverine in the mix doesn't seem that bad of an idea. This would ultimately help their brand similar to how Avengers boosted the audience turnout for Iron Man 3. Fingers crossed Sony does the same thing before selling the Spidey rights. Rumblings that the studio side of Sony isn't doing well and likely having to liquidize franchise assets like Spider-Man and Resident Evil is on the table apparently. Wouldn't take much to convince Disney to buy them up for the MCU.

James Mangold's Wolverine "looks" good but ultimately we won't know until July if it will match the intreging trailer. Speaking on the future of Wolverine, it's unknown if X-Men Days of Future Past is exactly X-Men 4, a First Class sequel or combination is still up in the air. However, it's events could lead to sorting out the two X-Men worlds and allowing some future storylines not yet explored. Giving Singer and Fox some leway in having both the period piece franchise (more First Class era films) and the present day/future teams (X-Men 4, New Mutants, X-Force). Wolverine still has some interesting solo adventures to explore but Jackman was quite set on telling the Japanese saga since Origins. The fan demand will likely keep him on for a couple more but he very well might just move on and focus on other passion projects. I sort of saw this coming considering Jackman pretty much jumped right back into the character only a few months after wrapping Wolverine to reprise in the role in Days of Future Past. I doubt there a many actors that can overshadow Hugh's performances but I'm sure there is someone out there right for the role.

 If I had to choose one up and coming actor to takeover the role I'd go for Richard Armitage (Hobbit, Strike Back). He's already dipped his toes in the MCU playing a villain in Captain America: The First Avenger and seems to love action driven projects.

Evan Peters Cast As Quicksilver In X-MEN DAYS OF FUTURE PAST And Saoirse Ronan Comments On Scarlet Witch (AVENGERS 2)

Director Bryan Singer has announced on Twitter that he's cast Evan Peters (American Horror Story, Kick-Ass) as Quicksilver in X-Men Days of Future Past. Joss Whedon recently confirmed plans to add Scarlet and Quicksilver in the Avengers sequel. No word if Peters will also play the role in Avengers 2 but he seems to be the right age for the part. Since Marvel was looking to cast Saoirse Ronan as Scarlet Witch having Peters playing her brother would make sense. Some believe this is Fox throwing down the gauntlet by having the character first appear in their film. However, it's quite possible Marvel and Fox are playing nice allowing the actors to play the characters in both franchises.

Also, Saoirse Ronan commented on the talk of Marvel being keen on her taking the role (using her as the blueprint for casting) of Scarlet Witch in Avengers 2. She knows about the rumors and is open to the role. Ronan had been in the running for the major female role in The Hobbit trilogy and was a powerhouse in Hanna with her stunning action sequences.

TO BE CONSIDERED: Who Should Play Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver In AVENGERS 2?

It has been confirmed by Joss Whedon that villain siblings turned heroes Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver will be new additions to Avengers 2. Whedon added they would represent an aspect of the world not entirely thrilled with the Avengers. Nothing says this statement means they'll be straight up villains (Thunderbolts/H.A.M.M.E.R.) but sounds like they'll have their clashes with the team. I assume the brass at S.H.I.E.L.D. and World Governments could be unhappy that they have superheroes running around without leashes. Which might be the seeds of Civil War which has been teased before.

Apparently, Marvel might be using Saoirse Ronan as a possible model for Scarlet Witch. Not sure if that means they'll be looking for an actress her age or someone with a similar mix of action/dramatic roles. Marvel will likely hold off announcing any casting for Avengers 2 and Phase Three's Ant-Man until Comic-Con 2013 in July. Yet, I have a few names that could make the mutant siblings really standout.

SCARLET WITCH (WANDA MAXIMOFF)

RUTH WILSON (Luther, Lone Ranger, The Prisoner, Anna Karenina): Ruth Wilson has some serious Marvel connections playing roles alongside actors Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell. Even actor Ian McKellen who plays her character's would be father Magneto. She had been linked for possible talks for a role in Avengers 2 months back. Disney might be looking to up her profile as Ruth already is the female lead in their Lone Ranger tentpole this Summer.

JESSICA CHASTAIN (Zero Dark Thirty, The Help, Lawless, Mama): Jessica almost played Maya Hensen in Iron Man 3 but ultlmtely took the lead in Zero Dark Thirty instead. While earning an Oscar nomination for ZDT, she did state being open to working with Marvel in the future. She has the talent and popularity to bring enough life to the character.

JESSICA BROWN FINDLAY: Jessica was in the running for a role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and also had a small cameo in Iron Man 3 with her scenes from Downton Abbey playing in the background. Marvel seems to love television actors for new roles and Witch would be a role that would likely become a staple for future Avengers sequels. Similar to hiring Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Findlay could balance out playing baddie and anti-heroine.


QUICKSILVER (PIETRO MAXIMOFF)

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH (Hobbit Trilogy, Star Trek Into Darkness, Fifth Estate, Sherlock): Benedict has long been a fan favorite to play Doctor Strange but his current run of playing villains could make him an excellent Quicksilver. To be honest I could careless about Quicksilver but someone like Ben could really give substantial dimension to him. His turn in Star Trek Into Darkness proved his ruthlessness as a villain which might be needed for the Avengers sequel to be darker than the previous one. Marvel has a history of casting Star Trek alumni with Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Zoe Saldana (Gamora) taking roles. Other cast members such as Chris Pine and Alice Eve had been in the mix for the leads in Captain America: The First Avenger. Even Simon Pegg has stated interest in playing a villain in Edgar Wright's Ant-Man.

RYAN GOSLING (Drive, Place Beyond The Pines, Only God Forgives): Getting Ryan Gosling is a bit of a longshot but I think he could work well with Joss Whedon and the cast. He's a very dedicated actor with dramatic chops but might be harder to lure into a Marvel contract. The fact he's almost entirely sworn off comic book films would be a giant get for the studio. Ryan's got a solid background with stunt training (martial arts, weapons, stunt driving/motorcycling) thanks to his numerous action films such as Drive, Only God Forgives, Gangster Squad and The Place Beyond The Pines.

CHARLIE HUNNAM (Sons Of Anarchy, Pacific Rim, Green Street Hooligans): Charlie is very suitable actor that could work within the Marvel blueprint. While he has Pacific Rim on the horizon this  Summer it hasn't made him a household name at this point. Similar to Cumberbatch, Charlie has a massive following thanks to his series S.O.A. Originally, Charlie had been one of the few candidates to play Thor before Chris Hemsworth ended up being cast in the role. He was recently linked for possibly playing The Flash in Justice League but that film is being put on hold until the box office returns for Man of Steel come in. Marvel would be smart to sign Hunnam up before Pacific Rim 2 or Justice League gets a greenlight.

Dwayne Johnson Still Actively Campaigning To Play Marvel's Luke Cage And Could A HEROES FOR HIRE Movie Actually Happen?

Dwayne Johnson (Pain And Gain, Fast And Furious 5-6, G.I. Joe 2, Hercules) is still pursuing his passion project playing Marvel's street level hero Luke Cage aka Power Man (via Twitter).There had been a movie in the works for years but ultimately was shelved. However, there has been recent rumblings of a possible Heroes For Hire film in development. Which could combine origins for both Power Man (Luke Cage) and Iron Fist (Danny Rand) having the two in one film instead of flat out solo films. Since the studio is backlogged already with numerous new projects having Iron Fist and Luke Cage in one film could help launch the characters sooner than expected. Also, it's possible that Cage could be apart of Avengers 2 as well.

Thank U @marvel President Kevin Feige for the nod. I'll be ready. #RockAsCage #HeroForHire bit.ly/11EJTft twitter.com/TheRock/status…
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 17, 2013

At one point Dwayne's G.I. Joe 2 co-star Ray Park (Snake Eyes, Darth Maul, Toad) had been attached to play Iron Fist because of his extensive martial arts background and previously working relationship with Marvel (playing Toad in X-Men). I wouldn't be shocked to see the film as an action tentpole with Johnson and Park in the leads if the film ever ends up being greenlit.

Joss Whedon Confims Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver For Avengers 2, Saoirse Ronan The Model For Casting Witch?

What started off as a strong rumor has been confirmed by the man himself. As Joss Whedon confirms the inclusion of brother/sister Avenger members Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver for the upcoming sequel. Speaking to IGN Joss gave some insight into the reason for including them. While nothing is confirmed it's possible the duo could end up replacing Hawkeye and Black Widow. There had been a bit of backlash from including the non-traditional Avengers members since they didn't actually have powers.

“You know, they had a rough beginning. They’re interesting to me because they sort of represent the part of the world that wouldn’t necessarily agree with The Avengers. So they’re not there to make things easier. I’m not putting any characters in the movie that will make things easier.”

Oddly enough, Irish actress Saoirse Ronan is being mentioned (via SuperheroHype) as the blueprint for Scarlet Witch. This could mean that Marvel is looking for an actress in her late teens or early 20's for the part. Ronan is best known for her powerful Oscar nominated role in Atonement (shot by Avengers director of photography Seamus McGarvey) and The Lovely Bones. Not to mention her highly stylized adrenaline fueled action flick Hanna. That latter role almost helped her land the female lead as Elf warrior Tauriel in The Hobbit trilogy. Her name being out there does give large expectations that Ronan herself could walk away with the new role. Factoring in her body of work and past experience with stunt/action sequences. Similar to how past stunt training helped Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt and Dave Bautista land their roles in Guardians of The Galaxy. It's also possible that both Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver actors could show up in future X-Men films such as X-Men Days of Future Past. Since the rights to the characters are shared between Marvel and Fox. Saorise worked with James McAvoy (who plays the young Charles Xavier) in Atonement, so that connection might come into play as well.

AVENGERS 2 Contract Issues Leading Marvel To Replace Actors?

While Marvel is looking to wrangle Robert Downey Jr. into a new contract. The same can't be said about the other actors. New behind the scenes information via Deadline gives the impression that both Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth were almost replaced before their respective sequels went into production. Not to mention the studio has threatened to replace actors. Scarlett Johansson is also sounding off stating she's not willing to take a pay cut either. This isn't a hard request to fill since the last film soared to make $1.5 billion in box office. I wouldn't be shocked if post-Avengers 2 we end up seeing new actors playing Thor, Cap and Widow or even before then.

RDJ is the iconic leader of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it's possible he could be trying to help his fellow cast members get more money or at least fair compensation. I don't see Marvel getting new actors unless they have to but I get the impression that Evans and Hemsworth might end up walking if they can't win them back with their demand rising along with their quotes. It's a sad story since Marvel has been trying develop their own stars but when they find success elsewhere and can't pay them their worth they will loose them.

No word if Jeremy Renner will be back since his name hasn't been mentioned. However, with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver being linked for the sequel it's possible Widow and Hawkeye might be edged out of the sequel. Giving the two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents the bench for superpowered heroes to join the ranks.

Marvel Looking To Nab Robert Downey Jr. For AVENGERS 2 And AVENGERS 3, His Involvement In IRON MAN 4 Uncertain

THR reports that Disney/Marvel and Robert Downey Jr. met on Monday to start talks for Robert to sign-on for Avengers 2 and Avengers 3. The former expected to begin production early next year with a May 2015 release. Avengers 3 doesn't have a release date but could be coming in 2017. No word if these talks will end up including Iron Man 4 or Iron Man 5, which director Shane Black has teased. Considering that Iron Man 3 has already reached $700 million worldwide and Avengers hit $1.5 billion last year it's safe to say that Robert will keep audiences coming back for more.

Scarlet Witch And Quicksilver Joining The Lineup For AVENGERS 2?

EW has a source that is confirming that characters Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are expected to be in Avengers 2. Witch had been linked for Iron Man 2 but was ultimately cut. A similar story concerning Wasp was revealed in the early script phases for the first film so it's not entirely impossible that they might also be removed for pacing or time. That said, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are co-shared characters that both Disney/Marvel and Fox can use in films. Since the twins are just as known for being involved with the Avengers as they are with the X-Men franchise.

Joss Whedon Says AVENGERS 2 Might Shoot In February 2014 And Had The Idea For The Sequel Before The First Film Was Figured Out

Whatever tidbits of information we can get out of Joss Whedon about the MCU is greatly anticipated. On the MTV Movie Awards red carpet Joss spoke to ET (via BleedingCool) and revealed a couple of things. First, Avengers 2 could begin production in February 2014 which will take place in the UK at Pinewood Studios. He also mentioned that he had the idea for the sequel before the release of the first Avengers film. However, Whedon mentioned the downfall of rolling out films knowing they'll end up completing a trilogy instead of making solid standalones. I assume that the sequel might have been developed from Joss' early outlines for the first installment.

We should start shooting I think in February… I didn’t think I was going to do the second but I had an idea for it before I’d figured out the first one. You go into a movie not assuming there’s going to be… I’ve seen plenty of movies that were the first part of the trilogy that never happened and it’s terrible. You don’t save anything for the trip back. Having said that, though, I did sort of know, “Well, if they were to come back, I know what’s going to happen… It’s going to be awful."

It's expected that the main four cast members Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo will be back. It's a bit uncertain if supporting cast members such as Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner and Cobie Smulders might be benched to allow other Marvel characters to take part in the fun. Three out of four will be next seen in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and could end up staying in that franchise until Avengers 3 which might involve Civil War. New additions Agent 13 (Emily VanCamp), Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and The Guardians of The Galaxy (Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Michael Rooker) might end up becoming the supporting cast of the sequel.

Rumblings of a new superhero have also started with Kevin Feige stating they wanted a new one added to the Avengers lineup. Morris Chestnut (Kick-Ass 2, Boyz N The Hood) teased on Twitter recently he might be playing Avenger member The Black Panther. It's unlikely that heroes Doctor Strange or Ant-Man will be joining the team before Avengers 3 because their origins have to play out in Phase Three first.

Morris Chestnut In The Mix For BLACK PANTHER And Could He Join AVENGERS 2?

We've seen a couple of actors tease fans about upcoming roles on Facebook and Twitter. Frank Grillo eventually confirmed he landed the role of villain Crossbones in Captain America 2 on Twitter. So when Morris Chestnut (Boyz N The Hood, Identity Thief, American Horror Story, G.I. Jane, Last Boy Scout) said this on his twitter page "It's time to get familiar with the Black Panther character !" . It gave a lot of people the idea he might be talking to Marvel. He also linked to a picture of Black Panther surrounded by fellow Avengers. Could it be possible that Morris is in the mix for the Black Panther role in Avengers 2 (leading up to his own solo film)? The original tweet has been deleted so it could have caught the attention of his agent or Marvel.

A string of other actors have been previously linked for being considered for the part including Wesley Snipes, Idris Elba, Aldis Hodge and others. Marvel's Kevin Feige recently stated he hoped that Avengers 2 would include another superhero. We have impression that this new hero wouldn't be either Ant-Man or Doctor Strange. Since the Phase Three films would be released post-Avengers 2 and will focus on their origins. Kevin has also been talking up a Panther film for years and has a solid script from from Mark Bailey. Morris will be next seen in Kick-Ass 2 (based on a comic that was published by Marvel but not owned) alongside Jim Carrey who had been linked for a role in Guardians of The Galaxy.

"I would love to also see a new superhero in the ranks of the Avengers. We shall see!"


The Black Panther of Wakanda seems like a solid addition to the Avengers lineup in the sequel. Since he's been a staple in the cartoon series and is one of most popular non-classic member. T'Challa is a character that could be thrown into the fray without his origin explained at that moment. The advanced technology/tribal elements of Wakanda could be a great visual combination if the Guardians end up in the film as well. It would also be a smart way to get audiences behind the Panther film which seems to have been having problems getting made. Black Panther would have the first visible male minority becoming the starring lead of a Marvel Studios' franchise. Something lacking in the comic book film genre along with a lack of superheroines. Hopefully changing with the casting of Zoe Saldana as Gamora (the most dangerous women in the universe) in Guardians of The Galaxy.

Controller Might Be A Villain In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, Could This Be Another Hint To Iron Man Joining The Film?

LatinoReview which has been slowly leaking plot details of numerous comic book projects has a new Marvel one. They say that Marvel baddie Basil Sandhurst aka The Controller will play henchman to Thanos in Guardians of The Galaxy. There has been talk of Thanos being the actual main villain of the film which could lead into Avengers 2. Marvel has confirmed Thanos for Guardians but his role in the film is currently unknown.

Now that the Controller is involved it seems like another pathway to having Tony Stark/Iron Man join the film. Basil is also a longtime villain of Stark's and Tony recently joined the team in the recent reboot of the Guardians. Add this to the rumored button scene in Iron Man 3 plus his Space Suit Armor it's possible (though not confirmed) we could see Stark in the film at some point. Perhaps, bridging the Guardians and even Thanos for Avengers 2.