Last week, we reported that Jessica Biel was in negotiations to play The Viper in the upcoming X-Men spin-off sequel “The Wolverine.” While it was never set in stone, many fans were hoping it would become a reality.
However, it now appears that she won’t be joining the film after all.
Biel had told HitFix earlier (in the video above) that it wasn’t a done deal, but now it’s over, according to Collider. Negotiations between Biel and Fox apparently broke down after Comic-Con.
“The Wolverine,” directed by James Mangold, is gearing up for production in Australia and Japan. Hugh Jackman is returning as the ornery mutant hero, with a number of Japanese actors recently joining the cast.
With Biel out, “The Wolverine” will be searching for a new actress to play The Viper, sometimes known as “Madam Hydra,” who has been a worthy adversary to both Logan and Captain America. The character fits into the storyline that the film is presumably borrowing from the early ’80s series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, which takes place primarily in Japan.
What you can see Biel in is the upcoming “Total Recall” remake, co-starring Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, John Cho and Bryan Cranston. She’ll also appear in the romantic comedy “Playing the Field” with Gerard Butler.
Who do you think should play The Viper?