Kevin Feige says James Spader as Ultron will “subvert expectations”

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

It has been a while since we have heard about Ultron in THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON aside from knowing that Joss Whedon is planning a revision to the robotic villain’s origin story. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe playing fast and loose with all sorts of origins and stories, why not give Ultron an update to keep pace with where the various superhero franchises are headed. Since ANT-MAN won’t be out until after THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, some changes would be needed. But, that makes you wonder what else may be altered about the bad guy.

Kevin Feige, always willing to share a tidbit here and there, was asked about Ultron during a press junket for CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER.

“I think people are going to very, very excited to see what we’re doing with the voice that Joss [Whedon] is bringing to life with James Spader for Ultron… We want him to have an extreme personality and attitude, and James Spader is doing an unbelievable job. Again, for us it’s always about subverting expectations. Whenever you think you know what’s coming next, we surprise people or deliver it in a slightly unexpected way. And Spader is doing that with Mr. Ultron.”

If you look back at the Marvel Cinematic Universe, successfully subverting expectations has not exactly been the strongest suit for the films. I mean, Robert Downey, Jr may have been a successful choice but the Mandarin twist in IRON MAN 3 angered more than others. Maybe I am missing something, but most of the the MCU films have been solid, but also pretty by the numbers. High quality productions yes, but nothing shockingly outside the box as of yet. That may all change with CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, but I am still expecting Ultron to be just a robot.

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON hits theaters on May 1, 2015. ABC’s MARVEL STUDIOS: ASSEMBLING A UNIVERSE special airs tomorrow night.