Robert-RedfordWith Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe about to kick off in a few weeks with the release of Iron Man 3, all eyes will soon be turning to the sequels that follow, starting with Thor: The Dark World at the end of this year, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier in the late spring next year.

With production expected to begin very soon, Deadline report that the great Robert Redford (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) is in talks to join the project. It’s thought that Redford would be taking on a senior leadership role within S.H.I.E.L.D., which could well lead to further appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the years to come.

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” will pick-up where “Marvel’s The Avengers” leaves off, as Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world.

Chris Evans will of course be reprising his role as the eponymous Steve Rogers / Captain America. Sebastian Stan stars as the antagonist this time around, with Bucky Barnes resurrected as The Winter Soldier.

Starring alongside Evans and Stan will be a great supporting cast, led by Anthony Mackie, Emily VanCamp, and Frank Grillo, with Scarlett Johansson, Cobie Smulders, and Samuel L. Jackson all expected to reprise their respective roles, too.

Brothers Anthony and Joe Russo (Welcome to Collinwood, Arrested Development) will be directing the blockbuster, with a script from Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (Captain America: The First Avengers).

Redford is of course renowned for being a pioneer of independent filmmaking in the US, as a co-founder of Sundance Film Festival. Recent years have seen him focus largely on starring in either his own or independent films, most recently directing himself in the upcoming The Company You Keep and taking the lead (and only) role in J.C. Chandor’s anticipated All Is Lost.

Given Redford’s reputation for focusing on the independent industry, it comes as a big – and welcome – surprise to hear that he’s in talks for a blockbuster like Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Marvel have been remarkable in pioneering their own model when it comes to superhero movies through Phase One, and we’d love to see them bring on someone like Redford for the Cap sequel, and quite possibly more films down the line. The studio are well known for signing their cast up for multi-film contracts, and seeing Redford become a frequent player as part of S.H.I.E.L.D. could definitely be a lot of fun.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is set for released in 3D on 4th April, 2014, and we can’t wait for it to hit. Here’s to hoping that it will be with Redford on board.