Despite everybody involved choosing to stay schtum on the matter, we’ve all known for a while now that Loki wasn’t going to be the only villain appearing in Joss Whedon’s THE AVENGERS. With leaked set pics of actors in their mo-cap suits and alien-looking weaponary, it was a good bet that the extra menace will come courtesy of Skrulls.

But the following news suggests The Avengers might have yet another big bad to deal with… 

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

Neca Toys have just released details of their Avengers movie-themed HeroClix tie-in line, and might have accidentally let the cat out of the bag.

In amongst the characters already known appearing in the eagerly awaited flick includes someone none of us expected…

***NO, SERIOUSLY. STOP READING IF YOU DON’T WANT IT RUINED!***

…Why, it’s none other than Cap’s arch nemesis The Red Skull and his Hydra Force! Very cool.

Oddly, Skrulls aren’t mentioned at all! 

A clever curve ball from Marvel Studios to throw us off the scent? Perhaps his appearance will only be in the now obligatory post-credits sequence? Or are Neca in for an unpleasant email come tomorrow morning?

All will be revealed when THE AVENGERS opens on May 4th 2012.

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