Rumors are flying that Kim Soo Hyun, the actress and supermodel who used to be called Yoo Ri El, has been cast in the Hollywood film "The Avengers: Age of Ultron." But her agency says that she has not yet signed a contract for the film, which will also be known as "Avengers 2."
Her agency, Apple of the Eye, was caught off guard when the rumors began to spread because they had not yet received confirmation of her casting.
"It is true that she auditioned for the role," said an Apple of the Eye representative. "But we have not yet received an answer. We are currently asking Marvel to confirm for us and are waiting for a statement to that effect."
The Avengers films are based on the Marvel comic books of the same name in which a team of superheroes protect the earth. In the sequel the Avengers will reassemble to battle Ultron.
If Kim Soo Hyun is cast, she will play a doctor who assists Tony Stark/Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr. Previous reports said that she would play a villain but now it is known that she will only start out working for Ultron, played by James Spader, then will shift her allegiance to good guy Tony Stark. She and Iron Man may get caught up in a romance.
Up to 40 Korean actresses auditioned for the role, including a few top stars. Auditions were held in Korea with director Joss Whedon taking part in the final round of auditions. Kim Soo Hyun's fluency in English helped make her a top contender. She has experience playing action scenes and her supermodel good looks did not hurt.
Kim Soo Hyun began her career as a model in 2005 by winning the Korea/China Super Model Contest. She learned English when she lived in the U.S. She has acted in a few dramas, including "The Fugitive Plan B" and "Level 7 Civil Servant."
The film will star 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.
Parts of the film are being shot in Gangnam and Gyeonggi-do in February and March. Many Seoul landmarks will be featured in the film. Top Korea's top production teams have already been chosen to work with the Hollywood film production crew.
"Avengers 2" is due to hit theaters on May 1, 2015.
