I’m really disappointed to have to write this article. One of the (many) best parts of ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ was Hugo Weaving’s portrayal of Cap’s long-time nemesis the Red Skull. As with any role the actor takes, he was just so spot on and invigorating. However, it appears that Weaving isn’t looking to reprise the role for the sequel ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’.

According to Comic Book Resources, even though he probably signed a multi-picture deal like everyone else in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Weaving flat out said that he doesn’t want to return to the role.

“I think the tendency, with those films, would be to probably not bring a villain back. They might for ‘The Avengers’, but I didn’t think I’d be in Captain America 2 or 3. I don’t think Red Skull will be there. And it’s not something I would want to do again.”

He made it clear that there are no hard feelings between himself and the studio, and that he was glad to have been a part of the first movie, but he hopes that he doesn’t get the call to revisit the mind of the leader of Hydra. Then, he went on to clarify a bit:

“I did sign up for a number of pictures and I suppose, contractually, I would be obliged to, if they forced me to, but they wouldn’t want to force someone to do it, if they didn’t want to. I think I’ve done my dash with that sort of film. It was good to do it and try it out, but to be honest, it’s not the sort of film I seek out and really am excited by. As an actor, to do all sorts of different films is great. It stretches you in different ways. But, I increasingly like to go back to what I used to always do, which is to get involved with projects that I really have a personal affiliation with.”

I guess I can understand where he’s coming from, but it would really be a shame if the story called for Steve Rogers to have one more battle with the Red Skull and Hugo Weaving weren’t involved.

‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ will be released on April 4, 2014.