Last week it was announced that Jessica Biel was in talks to take on the role of Viper in James Mangold's The Wolverine. Things ended up not working out, and Biel didn't take the part. So the studio went back out on the hunt for another actress, and it didn't take them long to find another one.
Russian Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy actress Svetlana Khodchenkova is the studio's number two choice. As much as I was on board with Biel taking on the role, Khodchenkova is a much better fit for the part. She falls in line with the origins of the Viper character from the comic books as she comes from an Eastern European country.
Viper is a professional terrorist and has her own organization. Throughout the comics she has come into conflict with many superheroes and supervillains over the years. Her nihilism and tendency to spread death around her has made it hard for other villains to associate with her.
Here's a little more detialed info on the character that we previously reported:
As for her relationship with Wolverine, in the comics she "blackmailed him into marrying her as a means to secure her criminal empire in Madripoor. Although this was a marriage of convenience, she did request to consummate the arrangement. Some time later, her body was briefly inhabited by the spirit of Ogun, and Wolverine mortally wounded her as a means of driving the spirit from her dying body. In return for seeking medical attention to save her life, Wolverine demanded a divorce. It is later implied that she actually had feelings for Wolverine."
The feature is based on the classic Chris Claremont and Frank Miller 1982 story arc in the Wolverine comics. The story will follow Logan, who starts "a forbidden romance with a Japanese woman whose hand in marriage is, unfortunately, promised to another man. Since Logan won't take "no" for an answer, it puts him into battle with her father and her samurai-sword-wielding brothers and Silver Samurai."
What do you all think about Khodchenkova being cast in the role of Viper?