Comic-Con News:  Pouty-lipped actress Jessica Biel has been cast in the key role of Victoria/Viper in James Mangold’s Wolverine sequel, which is now known as The Wolverine. Biel is no stranger to Marvel Comics-based films having starred in Blade Trinity in 2004.  Biel is also starring in the upcoming science fiction film Total Recall with Colin Farrell.

According to Deadline, Biel will play The Viper, who was formerly known as Madame Hydra.  Created by Jim Steranko she has ties not only to HYDRA, but also to the Hellfire Club and the Serpent Squad.  She is closely associated with the Silver Samurai, and this association will be on display the new Wolverine film.  Will Yun Lee recently signed on to portray the Silver Samurai in Mangold’s film alongside Hugh Jackman in the title role, Tao Okamoto as Mariko, Wolverine’s former fiancé, and Brian Tee who plays Noburo Mari, a corrupt minister, who is currently engaged to Mariko.

Mangold’s The Wolverine is slated to debut in just over a year on July 26th, 2013.  Christopher McQuarrie’s screenplay is based on Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s Wolverine miniseries from 1982.