Fanboys Anonymous

One of the rumors going around for Avengers: Age of Ultron was that Baron Wolfgang Strucker would be a secondary villain introduced in the film. The theory behind it was that it would be structured similarly to the James Bond film franchise's typical opening pre-credits sequence. A somewhat unrelated (but still at least marginally tied to the rest of the film) action set piece would reintroduce the characters and prevent the movie from having to dive right into exposition. Baron Von Strucker would fill that role and would also be used as a means to bring Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch into the mix.

Well, we now have our Baron Von Strucker: Thomas Kretschmann, who plays Abraham Van Helsing in NBC's Dracula. This guy really likes the "_____ Van/Von _____" names, doesn't he? Maybe he'll be the next Victor Von Doom as well. For those who don't know, Baron Von Strucker is normally an affiliate of the HYDRA organization, which we first saw in Captain America: The First Avenger. It makes sense why they would cast someone like Kretschmann, who has been a Nazi officer in both The Pianist and Valkyrie, so he clearly fits the bill for that look and the mannerisms.




Speculation could easily point to Von Strucker possibly setting up the third Captain America film, so while Kretschmann might not get much screen time in favor of James Spader's Ultron, the way this universe is set up, you can never look past the probability that his character could return in another film down the line. Chances are, Marvel's signed him on for a multi-picture deal, or he may even be someone that could translate over to the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. show to help bridge those films together.

What do you think about this casting decision and on Baron Von Strucker's place in the film in general? Sound off in the comments below!