If you need any further proof that comic book movies are now credible enough for even the most respected names in Hollywood, check out this latest casting rumour. Word on the street is that Robert Redford may be in the process of signing on for a supporting role in the upcoming Marvel sequel Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The 77-year-old actor does not take on many acting gigs nowadays, choosing instead to focus on his own directorial projects and, of course, fostering independent film with the Sundance Film Festival. The idea that someone like Redford might star in a superhero blockbuster is unexpected to say the least, but it may actually help Marvel get a slightly older audience interested in the film. More info after the jump.

According to Deadline, Robert Redford is in talks to star in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where he would take on “a senior leadership role in S.H.I.E.L.D.”. It’s unclear if the character is taken directly from the comics or invented for the movie, but he would likely still be under Nick Fury, who is shown to be the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. in The Avengers. Does this mean we can look forward to some appearances from Redford on the S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series as well?

Redford’s next movie The Company You Keep hits select theatres on April 5th, and he is also starring in All is Lost, a survival drama directed by J.C. Chandor (Margin Call). Prior to that, his last on-screen role was in Lions for Lambs back in 2007 (which he also directed). Captain America: The Winter Soldier his theatres on April 4th, 2014. Are you a fan of this casting choice?