If comic book movie fans are still wondering how far director Joe Johnston is willing to stray into the realm of the supernatural for Marvel Studios' highly anticipated Captain America movie, the answer most definitely lies in the latest addition to the film's cast.
The Hollywood Reporter, who has been responsible for most of the major Captain America movie scoops to date, just reported that British actor Toby Jones is in final negotiations to portray the villainous scientist Arnim Zola in
Captain America: The First Avenger.
For those of you unfamiliar with the character, Arnim Zola was a biochemist during World War II who became one of the first human genetic engineers in history. He found a ready home among the Nazi party, who saw his actions as the ability to ensure the existence of a master race. One of his first accomplishments was the creation of a brain pattern imprinting device, which would allow someone's mental essence to be projected into a cloned brain.
Zola's most noticeable feat, however, was performed upon himself. He has constructed a specially modified body which lacks a head. Instead, Zola's face is located - via holographic projection - on his chest, and atop his shoulders is an ESP Box, a psychotronic device which he uses to exert his control over his monster creations. In a limited effect, the Box can also be used as an offensive weapon. Whenever his current body is damaged, or utterly destroyed, Arnim is able to send his personality to another one stored elsewhere, thus giving himself a form of immortality.
Toby Jones is most known for his biopic roles in the films such as
Frost/Nixon and Oliver Stone’s
W.
Jones will join the already announced cast of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter and Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull. The film is slated for a July 2011 release.
Information courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter
MPP - Wow, I did
not expect this character to be included at all. This is such great news! This, right here, gives me hope that characters with fantastical back stories such as Namor and the Human Torch would fit nicely into the film. Now I'm hoping for a the villainous trifecta to be completed with either a Baron Zemo or Baron Blood casting announcement!