'Captain America: Civil War' release date, cast update: Martin Freeman to portray Everett Ross

After many speculations, it was finally announced that "The Hobbit" star Martin Freeman will be playing Everett Ross, a U.S. State Department employee who is usually associated with the Black Panther, in "Captain America: Civil War."

The news came from the Empire Magazine issue to be published this Feb. 25. It includes exclusive on-set access and interviews. Fans are not surprised by the announcement, however, and are happy that the already star-studded film has one additional character confirmed. 

Freeman described the role in an interview with BadTaste.it in July 2015:

"He works for the American government. He works in conjunction with the superheroes, and certain agencies that help to tame the superheroes' power, I suppose. So you're not quite sure which side he's on. It looks a little bit like he's playing one game when actually he's playing another. It's the kind of character I like because it's ambiguous and because you don't know whether he's good or bad." 

As Freeman described his character, Ross is a government staffer -- completely human but still completely able to take on the heroes, just like Sharon Carter, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent played by Emily VanCamp. It is said that Freeman's character will provide comic relief to the movie, but whether he's evil and funny, viewers will just have to wait and see.

The introduction of Everett Ross is starting to stir excitement among superhero fans. He is said to have been there since T'Challa aka Black Panther arrived in New York. Since the "Black Panther" film is set out to be released in 2018, many believe that is only apt to have Ross alongside him in his adventures in Wakanda. There is also a huge possibility that moviegoers will see a lot more of Freeman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

"Captain America: Civil War" is the much-awaited third installment in the "Captain America" franchise and will be released in North America on May 6.