Well that was fast. With production on The Wolverine set to begin in a matter of weeks, director James Mangold was closing in on his female lead. Jessica Biel was offered the role of Viper early last week, but we subsequently reported that talks between Biel and 20th Century Fox broke down and she would no longer be taking the role. Now, just a couple of days later, it appears that Svetlana Khodchenkova has entered talks to take over the part opposite Hugh Jackman. Hit the jump for more.
News of Khodchenkova’s involvement comes via Twitch, who reports that the actress is now in talks for the role and is expected to close the deal quickly. The Russian actress is mostly known for her work in Russia, but she appeared last year in the espionage drama Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. The character of Viper is said to be of Eastern European decent and has a complex relationship with Wolverine that includes, at one point, a sham marriage.
On location work on The Wolverine will be done in Japan, while stage work will be shot in Australia. We recently reported a number of Japanese additions to the cast, including Hiroyuki Sanada (The Last Samurai), Hal Yamanouchi (The Way Back), Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukushima. The film’s villain, Harada (aka The Silver Samurai) will be played by Will Yun Lee (Die Another Day). As you’ve probably surmised, the story follows the comic book arc from Chris Claremont and Frank Miller that finds Logan as an outsider in Japan.
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Shoulda gone with Lucy Liu!!!
Wait? This movie is still happening.?
Interested to see how they handle Silver Samurai.
Liked her in Tinker Tailor, but this is a brave casting decision going with a largely unknown Russian actress. Hopefully she’ll do well.
Better choice than Jessica Biel!!
What makes her a better choice?
They should have stayed with Biel. I would have been more interested in the movie with her in it.
thats because you’re a chick and dont know about films
Why all the actresses they suggest for this role are all lying on a bed ? ^^
I’m still surprised that the poster, if its official…which I think by now it is, is allowed? To show a country, well its flag…being destroyed like that? To me, its the first movie poster I can recall to show such? And please feel free to correct me! I think Mangold will give a really captivating story, along with the action needed…but in a balance that is also needed! Please no action to fill in for lack of plot, if I see a teaser or trailer and I get a 3:10 to yuma vibe…I will be very happy!! And I don’t mean that to be wolverine:western,
Svetlana is great actress and she is gonna be great Viper for sure.