James Spader joining 'Avengers' team in sequel

Marvel sequel signs Emmy-winner to play Ultron villain

James Spader has signed on to plain the main villain in the upcoming Avengers sequel, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The three-time Emmy winner will play Ultron in Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron.  It has not been revealed, however, if Spader will perform motion-capture to play the mechanical being or simply provide his voice for the character.

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In the comic book, Ultron is the creation of scientist Hank Pym, a.k.a. Ant-Man, a hero with a suit that allows him to shrink to tiny proportions.  Ultron is his creation that spins out of control and goes on a murdering rampage with a desire to create artificial life.

Spader will share the screen with former Less Than Zero star Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Spark.  Also returning for the sequel are Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and likely Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner.

The film's premiere is set for May 1, 2015.