The upcoming virtual reality game Avengers: Damage Control boasts a lot of star power. Benedict Cumberbatch, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, and Evangeline Lilly are all onboard, reprising their famous roles from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But sadly, the developers couldn’t recruit every MCU veteran to voice the characters they popularized on the big screen. Despite their best efforts, James Spader isn’t coming back to voice Ultron.
While speaking with ComicBook.com, a Marvel rep confirmed that they did contact Spader about making an appearance in the game. However, prior commitments forced him to turn down the role.
“Unfortunately, we did reach out to James and we wished he could have done it, but the schedules just didn’t align,” the rep explained. “He was working and stuff when this was going on and so it didn’t work out.”
Spader provided the voice and motion capture for the villainous robot in Avengers: Age of Ultron in 2015. Although his voice won’t be heard in Damage Control, fans needn’t worry. The studio was able to hire a worthy replacement to fill his metal shoes: Ross Marquand.
“He did an amazing job and he’s great to work with and a great actor and talented, so it was fun having him on board and he was super excited,” the rep confirmed. “It was great.”
RELATED: Ultron Returns In First Trailer For Avengers: Damage Control
Aside from being a master impressionist in general, Marquand is no stranger to taking over roles within the Marvel Universe. The actor recently portrayed the Red Skull in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. He replaced Hugo Weaving, who declined to return to the franchise after playing the character in Captain America: The First Avenger, and many fans could barely tell the difference.
Ultron will take center stage in the VR experience, attempting to steal technology developed by Stark Industries and Wakanda. The player will suit up in this new tech to take on many of his robotic threats alongside fan-favorite characters like Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and Ant-Man.
Avengers: Damage Control launches at select The VOID locations this Friday, October 18. More information can be found here; and the trailer can be viewed below.
What are your thoughts on Marquand replacing James Spader as Ultron in Avengers: Damage Control? Let us know in the comments below!
Recommended Reading: Marvel Studios Character Encyclopedia
