Joss Whedon's The Avengers: Age of Ultron has one of the most impressive principal ensembles we've ever seen, but apparently we've spent months not actually knowing the full extent of the roster. This is because both Julie Delpy (Before Midnight) and Linda Cardellini (Bloodline, Scooby Doo) have parts in the blockbuster, as has confirmed on a tip sheet for the feature's upcoming Los Angeles premiere. But what remains a total mystery is exactly who they might be playing in the movie.
Given how late in the game the two actresses are entering into the bigger picture of Avengers 2, it's not hard to imagine that the extent of their parts in the film will be somewhat limited, but what's unknown and potentially exciting is the possible impact their roles could have on the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
If we're really dreaming big, it's possible that either Julie Delpy or Linda Cardellini could be be introduced as the MCU's Carol Danvers - better known to comic book fans as Captain Marvel. It's true that recent reports have suggested that the character isn't in the movie, but what if those sources were wrong? Captain Marvel has her own movie coming in 2018, and it wouldn't be all that shocking if The Avengers: Age of Ultron is used as a platform for her launch.
A more middle ground but still potentially very exciting possibility is that the two actresses could be playing roles not too dissimilar to what Andy Serkis is doing in the movie. He will be playing Ulysses Klaw in the movie, and while Serkis has confirmed that it's a very small part in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, it's very possible that he could wind up being the central villain of the upcoming Black Panther film. For example, I wonder if it's not impossible that one of the two actresses could wind up playing The Enchantress, who may be set up for a bigger role in Thor: Ragnarok.
The least exciting possibility is that both Julie Delpy and Linda Cardellini are in the movie largely in cameo capacities. The first Avengers had known actors like Powers Boothe and Harry Dean Stanton playing supporting roles within the movie's narrative, and Delpy and Cardellini could wind up having similar-sized roles in The Age of Ultron. Basically, they may be in the film for half a moment and be fun to spot, but ultimately may not have a larger presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Who do you think Julie Delpy and Linda Cardellini might play in The Avengers: Age of Ultron? There are obviously a ton of possibilities and factors to consider - including the fact that Cardellini has had the opportunity to work with Guardians of the Galaxy/Guardians of the Galaxy 2 director James Gunn multiple times in the past - but it's still fun to speculate. Hit the comments with your thoughts!
