As one superhero joinsTom HollandinSpider-Man: Homecoming, another drops out.Robert Downey Jr.was revealed toreprise his role of Iron Manin the joint Marvel-Sony effort coming to theaters in 2017, but now word is thatMichael Keaton, once courted to play a villain role, has dropped out ofdiscussions.
The casting update comes fromDeadline, and it would’ve been an interesting choice given how Keaton made a name for himself on the DC side inTim Burton’sBatmanbefore making a comeback inBirdman, about an aging actor doing the same after headlining a superhero movie franchise. Alas, we’ll have to keep dreaming.
The trade states that the studios are continuing their search to fill the villain role, which is still unknown. However, there have beenrumors circulating around the Webthat suggest comic book villain baddie Vulture will be featured. Adrianne Toomes is depicted as an aging electronics engineer who becomes spry through his invention: a harness that grants him flight and enhanced strength. The character seemed like a shoe-in forSinister Sixor a potentialAmazing Spider-Man 3after the character was teased through an end scene fromThe Amazing Spider-Man 2and the actorColm Feore. That reboot attempt didn’t work and plans were eventually reworked as Marvel and Sony struck their deal.
Again, it’s unclear if Keaton was in fact in talks to play Vulture. But, based on looks alone, his departure leaves room for someone likeJohn Malkovich(who’s been in the action-heavyRedandRed 2films in his older age),Mark Strong, orEd Harristo fill his shoes. Given Keaton’s recent comeback clout, it would seem as though Marvel and Sony want a bigger name in the role, whatever it ends up being.
Spider-Man will make his debut in the MCU inCaptain America: Civil War, where, according tocharacter descriptions, he’s personally recruited by Tony Stark to join Team Iron Man. With the billionaire-playboy-philanthropist joiningSpider-Man: Homecoming, this mentoring relationship will continue. Elsewhere,Marisa Tomeiwill play Peter Parker’s Aunt May, Disney channel starZendayawill play someone named Michelle,Laura Harrier(One Life to Live) will play an unspecified role, andTony Revolori(The Grand Budapest Hotel) will play Peter’s friend Manuel.
The film, directed byJon Watts, is scheduled for theaters on June 22, 2025.
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