Marvel revealed back in May that Martin Freeman would appear in Captain America: Civil War, but the studio held out on what role the Sherlock star would play. At long last, however, fans are getting their answer: Freeman will play Everett Ross, a U.S. government employee, reports Empire.
The role positions Freeman to cross over into future Marvel films beyond Captain America: Civil War. Ross has frequently played into the Black Panther comics, so with Marvel developing a standalone film centering on the popular superhero, we expect to see more of Ross’ character in the MCU as well. Most immediately, though, Ross will be part of the Joint Counter Terrorist Center that appears in Civil War.
Empire tweeted an exclusive photo showing Ross with Sharon Carter (played by Emily VanCamp) in what appears to be a tense situation, given the number of German SWAT team members standing behind them.
ICYMI Martin Freeman’s character in Captain America: Civil War is revealed. It’s not Tim. https://t.co/scoWrrxquA pic.twitter.com/Rq5d6AV30i
— Empire Magazine (@empiremagazine) February 22, 2016
In the comics, Ross works for the U.S. State Department and escorts foreign diplomats while they’re on American soil. He ends up being assigned to the Black Panther, the ruler of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Because the Black Panther, T’Challa, often faces grave danger, Ross frequently gets caught up in the peril.
Freeman is familiar with big film franchises (namely, The Hobbit) and has a number of notable credits to his name. He has starred in a range of popular films and series, from Love Actually to the British Office. Watching Freeman, as Dr. John Watson, deal with the eccentric Sherlock Holmes is always entertaining, so we look forward to seeing him play Ross, where he’ll have the chance to interact with even more uniquely talented characters, both in Civil War and hopefully beyond.
Captain America: Civil War opens in theaters on May 6.
