Captain America: The Winter Soldier yesterday announced the casting of the sequel’s big villain in the form of Frank Grillo’s Crossbones, and today there are a few more tidbits of information about the production to bring you. First and foremost is the reveal that Cobie Smulders – AKA S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Maria Hill – will be making an appearance in Cap’s latest adventure.

Smulders was given the shortest shrift from the Avengers Assemble script, appearing mostly as someone to provide a jumping off point for Samuel L. Jackson‘s Nick Fury, but the extras on the DVDs revealed an alternative opening and ending for the film which featured Smulders heavily, and would have given her character more impact. Still, she’ll get her chance now in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It’s unclear as of yet exactly how big a role she’ll play, but with Agent Coulson fallen by the wayside (or is he?), it’s probable that she’ll fill his S.H.I.E.L.D. liaison role, while Nick Fury is off secretly being secretive about stuff.

Speaking of secrets, in order to keep productions under wraps, most Hollywood films tend to use code names when filming. Probably to keep the fanboys away. Well, fanboys delight, because now you know what to look for. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is using the working title of ‘Freezerburn’. This isn’t really news, but it’s a fun little nugget of trivia to know. ‘Freezerburn’ makes sense, given that Captain America: The Winter Soldier will feature Cap readjusting to life in the present day, having been frozen in the ice for the last 70 years. That sort of thing plays havoc with one’s complexion.

Are you looking forward to more Maria Hill? Let us know below.