'Avengers 2': Cast Rumors, Aaron Taylor-Johnson Playing Quicksilver? Thanos as the Villain? Robert Downey Jr. Negotiating Return

Yes, "The Avengers 2" is not due out until May 1, 2015, but the rumors are already starting to ramp up. The movie is still in its early phases, so most of the rumors are surrounding casting. There is recent news that director Joss Whedon has his eyes on a specific actor to bring on to the cast. Rumor is that "Kick-Ass" actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the front runner to play Quicksilver in "Avengers 2."

The Wrap is reporting Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch are the two new characters Whedon plans on introducing into the "Avengers" sequel.  Although Johnson is the front runner for the part, it doesn't sound as though any official offers have been made yet. The Wrap reports, Johnson's "Kick-Ass" co-star Evan Peters was actually just cast as Quicksilver in Bryan Singer's "X-Men: Days of Future Past." Fans could be seeing two different actors playing the character Quicksilver in two different superhero movies.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye are all rumored to return for "Avengers 2." The Wrap also reports that Robert Downey Jr. is still in negotiations to play Iron Man in the film.

Always a big part of casting is figuring out who the villain will be in the movie. As of right now there is no word yet on who will be the bad guy in "Avengers 2." Director Joss Whedon spoke with Empireonline.com and said, "I'm very excited about the villain, and have a lot to say about him. But if you watch my shows, the one thing I've never been very good at is guest stars, because I've always been interested in the ensemble. With 'The Avengers', I'm still most fascinated by them." Although not confirmed yet, the villain is widely expected to be Thanos.