‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron' Cast Rumors: Thomas Kretschmann Hints Extended HYDRA Presence! Will They Stay Until 'Avengers 3?'

It is confirmed that the "Avengers: Age Of Ultron" will have a secondary villain, and that he is Baron Von Strucker of HYDRA. However, they missed out on his tenure-Thomas Kretschmann's role is not a flash in the pan!

The 51-year old actor from East Germany had an interview with B.Z. Berlin, and he bravely declared that he is in for the long term:

"I have a multi-picture deal which means I will not only appear in the 2nd part, but they're planning with me for a longer period of time. But I don't know details yet, they're keeping their cards close to their chest - top secret!"

Thus, the speculation that he will be the 'initial' villain they will soon disregard as Ultron emerges is not entirely accurate.

Screenrant plays around with a new set of speculations arising from the revelation: "Kretschmann's confirmation about a multi-picture deal is interesting, but given Marvel's pattern of locking down actors across a span of films, not surprising. Unless Kretschmann is referring to rehearsals or other pre-production commitments, it sounds like he's already shot a portion of his role.

One big question is whether or not Baron von Strucker will actually be introduced somehow in the upcoming Captain America 2. The character is traditionally a HYDRA villain and adversary of Captain America, although he has worked with Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch and even helped Black Widow become a dangerous assassin.

Kretschmann's multi-picture contract definitely means he'll be involved in projects beyond Age of Ultron, but it's entirely possible - perhaps even likely - that he'll be teased in "The Winter Soldier"  and/or "Guardians of the Galaxy."

It seems too late for an appearance in Captain America, unless it's a mid-credits scene. But even if the Avengers sequel is still a year away, the former Dracula star in the NBC series admits that he was giddy for the role. Also from BZ Berlin:

"Oh yes, I was nervous. I was overprepared; then on the set I went up to Joss Whedon, who passes for a genius, and said 'this is my first day, this is huge, please have patience with me, I'm a bit nervous."

While he is not a newcomer when it comes to grand productions (credentials include Peter Jackson's "King Kong" and Bryan Singer's "Valkyrie" with Tom Cruise) there is no doubt that this production is the biggest of his career.

It was not clear though, if he will stay all the way to "Avengers 3" or just the next movies of Phase 3, like "Ant Man", "Thor 3" and "Captain America 3."

"Avengers: Age Of Ultron" will be released on May 1, 2015.