The cast for THE AVENGERS sequel continues to grow, with German actor Thomas Kretchmann has signed on to play a “major villain” role in Joss Whedon‘s THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON. Although it has yet to be confirmed which villain Kretchmann would be playing, it’s likely that it will be Baron Von Strucker. Kretchmann previously starred in Peter Jackson‘s KING KONG, WANTED, VALKYRIE, OPEN GRAVE, and most recently appears in the Dracula TV series as Abraham Van Helsing.
From THR:
Sources say that Kretchmann will play Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, an antagonist for both Captain America (Chris Evans) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). In the comics, the man was a Nazi officer who becomes one of the heads of HYDRA, a terrorist organization.
We heard rumor of Strucker being the villain before and this seems to be the confirmation. Kretschmann IS German, so he’s certainly got the right nationality for Strucker, but beyond that he’s kind of perfect villain material with strong, rough features. I think he’ll be a formidable villain for our Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. With Scarlett Johansson‘s earlier comments on the script and the casting coming together, the anticipation for another Avengers film continues to boil under the kettle.
THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON hits on May 1, 2015.