As we have recently learned from both Samuel L. Jackson and THR, four actresses will be screen-testing on Friday for the part of Nick Fury's "sidekick" in Marvel Studios' Avengers. However, I have reason to believe that Morena Baccarin, one of the actresses on the shortlist, has not only already won the role, but has been signed on for the film for quite a few months now.
Most of us have probably heard that Baccarin has been spotted studying Marvel comics in comic book shops over the last couple of months (I'm actually not quite sure what the exact rumor was, so correct me if I'm wrong). There's obviously one reason right there to believe that Marvel Studios has its eyes on her for one of their films.
Also, keep in mind that Joss Whedon, who is the director of the Avengers, and Baccarin have collaborated in the past with the TV series "Firefly" and its spin-off movie known as "Serenity." It is quite possible that while Whedon was writing the script for the Avengers, he had a part in mind for Baccarin the whole time.
For my final and, arguable, most plausible point, I'd like to bring up Baccarin's new sci-fi series on ABC known as "V", where she plays the leader of an alien race that surreptitiously attempts to destroy mankind. Many passionate "V" fans are upset because, as of right now, the popular show only plans to air ten episodes for its second and current season. If "V" follows the same, near-consistent pattern of airing one episode per week, then the show could be finished its season by the end of March. Keep in mind that Jackson mentioned on Jimmy Fallon's show that the Avengers will begin production in April, which could mean that Baccarin could join the cast without any other commitments. Also remember that the announcement of "V" having only 10 episodes this season came sometime in October, which could mean that Whedon has been in talks with Baccarin since then and that the "V" producers reacted to her possible involvement in the Avengers accordingly.
So what do you guys think? Does Baccarin seem more likely for the part than the rest of her competition? And if so, who do you think she will play?
I'm putting my money on Maria Hill.