Yesterday, we reported that Frank Grillo had been cast in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' as the villainous Crossbones. We learned that news through Variety writer Marc Graser's Twitter feed, but the actual article, published later, drops a few tidbits that should prove tantalizing to Marvel fans...especially those wondering if any 'Avengers' characters will be making an appearance.

Buried at the bottom of the report is this casual morsel of goodness:

"Chris Evans returns as the star-spangled hero in "Captain America: Winter Soldier," along with Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes (who becomes assassin the Winter Soldier), Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders and Scarlett Johansson. Anthony Mackie will play Cap ally The Falcon."

Now, we already knew that Johansson's Black Widow would be returning and that Mackie's Falcon would be making his grand cinematic debut, but the news that Jackson's Nick Fury and Smulders' Maria Hill will be popping up is news to us. It all makes sense: Marvel does have its actors under multi-picture contracts and both Hill and Fury have parts to play in writer Ed Brubaker's original "Winter Soldier" comic book storyline that is serving as the template for the film. Not to mention, if there's one thing Marvel Studios loves, it's strengthening its interconnected movie universe. Heck, we're suckers for it, too.

What do you think? Are you excited that the shady agents of SHIELD will once again play a major role in a Marvel movie or should Nick Fury take a break?

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