James Spader Cast As Ultron In ‘The Avengers: Age Of Ultron’

James Spader has been cast as the legendary villain Ultron in the upcoming Avengers sequel, The Avengers: Age Of Ultron.

Spader’s casting in the new film, whose title was announced at Comic-Con last month, was announced earlier today by Marvel Comics. Just as with the first movie, the sequel will be directed by Joss Whedon.

Ultron is a known as the robot created by Dr. Henry Pym (Ant Man) who tries to take over the world. Whedon, however, is aiming to somewhat humanize the villain. “He’s always trying to destroy the Avengers, g–damn it, he’s got a bee in his bonnet. He’s not a happy guy, which means he’s an interesting guy. He’s got pain. And the way that manifests is not going to be standard robot stuff,” Whedon told Entertainment Weekly. “As a character I love [Ultron] because he’s so pissed off.” However, Whedon also said he wants to make sure he doesn’t lose the character while grounding him.

Spader, 53, is known for his role as Alan Shore on Boston Legal and The Practice, which has earned him three Emmy Awards, and will star in NBC’s new series The Blacklist starting this September.

It has been reported that Elizabeth Olson is in negotiations to join the cast of Ultron as well, playing the Scarlet Witch. Much of the cast from the first film will be returning, including Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Hemsworth.

The Avengers: Age Of Ultron has not yet begun production. It is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 1, 2015.

—Ava Butler