Jessica Biel has become a villain for real after a last-minute pull-out from the new movie The Wolverine, which is due to start shooting within the week.

She was meant to play the evil mutant Viper. According to reports, producers are scrambling to make sure the filming in Sydney will still be according to schedule this week.

Biel, 30, who stars in sci-fi thriller Total Recall, was in talks to take the part opposite Hugh Jackman.

But final negotiations broke down and she walked away, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

It is the second time Biel has dropped out of a high profile comics-inspired project.

In 2007, she was in talks with Warner Bros to play Wonder Woman in a Justice League of America movie but chose not to take the part.

It has been suggested that the 7th Heaven star pulled out amid speculation that she is to marry Justin Timberlake this summer.

Tsk tsk!

This article was first published in The New Paper.