After recently re-watching Captain America: Civil War on a cross-country flight, I gotta admit I’m ready for a little bit more screen time for Martin Freeman’s character. Sure, it’s always good to see the Fargo and Sherlock star have fun in a supporting role, but with Marvel’s penchant for introducing characters at the periphery of films before ramping up their involvement in the franchise, it felt like Freeman’s performance was just a taste of what he could do in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And thanks to recent rumors from the Black Panther set, it looks like I may get my wish sooner rather than later.

According to Heroic Hollywood, Freeman has been spotted on the set for Ryan Coogler’s upcoming Black Panther movie, allegedly as part of a United Nations scene in the film. A few of the photos even found their way online for your viewing pleasure:

As we noted in February of last year, Freeman’s character of Everett Ross was “traditionally the US government’s man in Wakanda,” making his inclusion in the Black Panther film extremely likely, though we’re still glad to have it confirmed. Freeman was introduced in Captain America: Civil War and, while his character may have hidden depths, so far all we’ve been treated to is the signature Martin Freeman fussiness.

Personally, it wouldn’t surprise me to see his character play a bigger role in the film than he did in Captain America: Civil War. With political parties in the real world increasingly voicing demands for an isolationist and nationalist agenda, the fictional government of Wakanda  —  and their decision to step out of the shadows and embrace a key role in global politics  —  presents the perfect opportunity for the Marvel talent to meet current social issues head-on. And Freeman’s Ross would likely play a major role in that transition.

In an effort to assemble the greatest cast of all time, Black Panther will star Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Forest Whitaker, Sterling K. Brown, Angela Bassett, and more. The film will hit theaters on February 16, 2018.

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