While much of the speculation about The Avengers: Age of Ultron has centred on possible additions to the cast – particularly for the roles of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, which now look to be filled by Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene) and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass 2) – a new rumour has surfaced which claims to have uncovered the identity of Ultron, the artificial intelligence set to battle Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Joss Whedon’s upcoming sequel. Potential spoilers to follow…
Now, we know that Hank Pym won’t be responsible for creating Ultron in The Avengers 2, and all signs seem to point towards Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark serving as his creator. Well, according to Unleash the Fanboy, Tony has already created Ultron, with the site claiming that a Disney rep has confirmed that Paul Bettany’s JARVIS will go on to become the AI killing machine. “That’s the plan so far from what I’ve heard,” states the rep. “[Bettany] is returning, but I’m not sure if they’re doing motion capture with him, or if they’ll use someone else. Since he’s only done voiceovers, the contract is new.” The site then goes on to speculate that Bettany could also portray The Vision as “a human visage” for Ultron’s public persona.
JARVIS’ transition to Ultron appears to be entirely plausible, especially as Whedon plans to revise the villain’s origin, but of course this could be little more than a rumour. But if it is, then it’s a good one…
The Avengers: Age of Ultron is set for release on May 1st 2015, with Robert Downey Jr. expected to reunite with Avengers stars Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson.
Originally published August 29, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
