Jessica Biel to Play Viper in 'The Wolverine'

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Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel is in negotiations to play Viper in 20th Century Fox's The Wolverine.

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Biel will play the friend-turned-foe of the titular Marvel mutant, played by Hugh Jackman. By day, she is known as Victoria, the secretary for the corrupt minister of justice. By night, she becomes Viper, working for a man who hopes to control a ninja society called the Hand. She is also the lover of the Silver Samurai.

Biel joins a cast that already includes at Will Yun Lee, Brian Tee, Hiroyuki Sanada, Hal Yamanouchi, Rila Fukushima and Tao Okamoto.

James Mangold is directing the film, which begins shooting next month in Sydney. Fox will release the pic July 26, 2013.

Biel is no stranger to the comicbook genre. The actress, who was once in talks to play Wonder Woman for Warner Bros., has appeared in Blade: Trinity.

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She is repped by CAA and Management 360.