Top Korean stars such as Lee Byung Hun, Rain, Lee Min Ho and Ha Ji Won have already been recruited by Hollywood and now Hollywood may be coming to Korea.
Rumors have been flying about possible filming locations for Joss Whedon's new film "Avengers 2: Age of Ultron." U.S. filming will definitely take place in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Locations have been scouted in London and South Africa but the latest rumors said that between 15 and 30 minutes of the film is set to take place in Korea. And it was also rumored that the film will also feature one South Korean actress as a villain.
Initially, actor Mark Ruffalo sent out a tweet denying this rumor, saying that there was no plan to shoot in Korea but he then added that, "the Marvel universe is big."
The next day, the film's representatives confirmed that the Korean filming rumor was true. At least 10 to 15 minutes of the film will take place in Gangnam and Gyeonggi-do. One of Korea's top production teams has already been chosen to work with the Hollywood film production crew.
The rumors about a Korean actress playing a role mentioned the possibility of casting Kim So Yeon, Han Se Yeul or Kim Min Jung, but the film's representatives would not confirm the choice of any actress.
Already signed on to star in the film are Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo and James Spader as Ultron. Aaron Taylor-Johnson will play Quicksilver and Elizabeth Olsen will play his sister.
The Avengers films are based on the Marvel comic books of the same name in which a team of superheroes protect the earth from various threats. In the sequel the Avengers will reassemble to battle the robot Ultron. The first Avengers film did very well when it was shown in Korea, earning more than $50 million at the box office. Robert Downey Jr. is also popular in Korea. His film "Iron Man 3" earned $64 million.
Filming begins in February and is set to begin in Korea in April. Another rumor says that a disaster scene may be filmed in May around Seoul. The film is due to be released next year with the official release date of May 1, 2015.
Joss Whedon directed such television programs as "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," as well as several films including "Much Ado About Nothing" and "The Avengers."
