You know him already as Agent Smith from THE MATRIX, Lord Elrond from LORD OF THE RINGS, V from V FOR VENDETTA, Megatron from TRANSFORMERS and, most recently, Inspector Abberline from the WOLFMAN. Soon, you might know Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt, der Rot Schadel,  the Red Skull.

Odds are that most of you didn’t know the Australian actor as “Inspector Abberline from THE WOLFMAN” in the list I just rattled off but, ironically, that’s the role most relevant to this bit of news from the Hollywood Reporter. Why? Because Joe Johnston, the director of THE FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA, also directed that famous monster remake and, apparently, he thoroughly enjoyed working with Mr. Weaving. And why should it end? So, rather than a drawn-out and public casting call/endurance race like we’re seeing for Steve Rogers, the creative people are apparently going straight for him. However, let’s not start counting our chickens before they’re hatched here.

According to THR…

The dealmaking with Weaving is in a delicate stage that will play out in the next day or so. Agencies grouse that Marvel plays hardball in the negotiating process and also demands multi-movie commitments, though the latter usually applies to actors playing its heroes.

I really doubt that a “multi-movie commitment” is going to be an issue for Weaving, considering that he’s already been in two epic trilogy and a third, half-finished, trilogy. I recall him even making a joke one time that he “only does trilogies now."

The Red Skull was last portrayed in “live action” by Scott Paulin in the now twenty-year-old direct-to-video Captain America movie. I recall people having a serious problem the Skull was an Italian fascist in that movie, rather than a German one. I’m sure this take will be a wee more faithful, although I do remember liking the make-up job in that movie, at least. Does that not count for anything? Somebody on the boards, whose name escapes me now, brought up that if John Krasinski did get the Captain America part, then Rainn Wilson, his nemesis "Dwight" on THE OFFICE, should play the Skull. And that prospect absolutely tickled me.

-- Tom Pinchuk is the writer of UNIMAGINABLE for Arcana Comics and HYBRID BASTARDS! for Archaia Comics.   Watch out for the HYBRID BASTARDS! hardcover collection this March - - available for pre-order now on Amazon.com.

I am satisfied with this casting choice.
 
Tell me MR.Rogers how can you be Captain America, without a shield?
 
I also find it strange that he will have been V and a Nazi.

"I think they should pick someone like Christoph Waltz (villain from Inglourious Basterds) for Red Skull. Hugo Weaving is cool and all, but I think they should pick someone with a German/Austrian accent. Plus Waltz is a great actor. And please, Gods of Marvel, do NOT make it Jim vs Dwight; to that I say thee nay! "

hmmm.... im unsure, but at least he's the kind of actor who can do physical scenes too so we could have a couple of good fight scenes maybe!

" http://www.comicvine.com/red-skull/29-2250/hugo-weaving-up-for-red-skull/92-533636/#17 ;) "

This is a good choice. Now if they would just cast Captain America and quit playing around. 

Love Hugo Weaving, but I'd much prefer a German actor.
 
Or perhaps and Austrian one (ie Christoph Waltz!)

Also: Mitzi in The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. 
Not only is the film hilariously awesome, but it's pretty clear he is diversely talented; he will be awesome as Red Skull.

I think he would be a good choice.  He can play a character without ever showing his face (V for Vendetta) and can act without showing his face.  So he might be willing to play the Red Skull and never take off the mask.

I had actually read "Red Hulk" lol... 
 
I had him pegged for the Sinestro rol in GL, but he'd be a good enough choice for RS. He's talented and very very skinny! 

I could see Hugo playing the Skull.

" Also: Mitzi in The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. Not only is the film hilariously awesome, but it's pretty clear he is diversely talented; he will be awesome as Red Skull. "

Hmm I would consider it. Then I would accept it.

I think Rainn Wilson would be better for MODOK

" I think Rainn Wilson would be better for MODOK "

Totally awesome choice!
He's got the acting chops and cold, menacing voice to make it rock.

I know personally I wanted Thomas Kretschman, but I would be happy if Hugo signs on for the part. You know who else wouldn't be bad for Red Skull is Mads Mikkelsen from King Arthur and Casino Royale.

Despite Red Skull being an Italian Facist instead of a German Nazi. Scott Paulin did a pretty damn good job. Not gonna lie. I thought the make up looked great and scary.

CALLED IT! ha ha
i would like the guy from inglorious bastards to do this role but huge would do a fine job.

Awesome casting, if it does go through but they really need to nail down an actor to start getting this film going. I am worried that it will get delayed.

Hugo Weaving is a fine actor, with quite an impressive skull. Something to think about.

Not bad

"great great great yes yes yes I would love Hugo to play the Red Skull although Christoph Waltz would do really good as well. "

I think he can pull it off I did love him in V For Vendetta other then that I just hope the movie is good.

I'm totally pumped to see him as the Red Skull!!! I guess this makes up for their choice of Chris Evans to play Cap. But for real, I'm like little-schoolgirl-excited for Hugo Weaving to play Red Skull lol!

" I think Rainn Wilson would be better for MODOK "

 http://marvel.com/news/all.12326.captain_america_movie~colon~_red_skull_cast