Spider-Man’s making is way into the Marvel Cinematic Universe next month in Captain America: Civil War, but attention is already pointed towards the Web-Slinger’s new movie next year. Yesterday, it was officially announced that the title of the movie will be Spider-Man: Homecoming, and less than 24 hours later, it’s now being reported that Michael Keaton is being eyed to join for a major role.
According to Variety, the actor is in "early talks" to play a villain in Spider-Man: Homecoming, though they didn’t provide any hints as to who this might be. Of course, given someone of Keaton’s stature, it’s likely he would be the main antagonist, as opposed to an underling. If he takes the role, Keaton would join a cast that so far consists of Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Marisa Tomei as Aunt May and Zendaya as Michelle.
Right now, it’s anyone’s guess which villain Michael Keaton might play in Spider-Man: Homecoming, but given how large Spidey’s rogues gallery is, there certainly isn’t a shortage of possibilities. Yesterday it was rumored that Adrian Toomes, a.k.a. The Vulture, might appear, and Keaton could certainly fill that role. He’s about the right age, so if you shave his head and give him a pair of wings, he could easily work as the movie’s main antagonist. Remember, the MCU’s Spider-Man is still early into his crimefighting career, and despite taking part in Captain America: Civil War, he may not have actually battled a super villain yet. Since Vulture was one of his first adversaries in the comics, Keaton as the winged foe could fill the same role.
Assuming Spider-Man: Homecoming doesn’t want to reuse Spider-Man villains who have already been adapted for movies, another interesting option for Keaton could be Quentin Beck, a.k.a. Mysterio. His illusions have wreaked havoc on Spider-Man’s mind during their battles, and we haven’t seen Peter battle a threat quite like him on the big screen. Keaton wouldn’t have to be involved in too many direct fight scenes, but he could still be a master schemer. Plus, think of all the trippy visual effects moviegoers could see from Mysterio’s arsenal. They might give Doctor Strange a run for its money.
As most of you already know, this wouldn’t be Michael Keaton’s first foray into the world of superheroes. He previously played Bruce Wayne/Batman in 1989’s Batman and 1992’s Batman Returns, giving audiences their first major movie Caped Crusader. He later parodied his superhero movie career as actor Riggan Thompson in Birdman. His other recent projects include Spotlight, Minions and Need for Speed, and he’ll soon be seen as Ray Kroc in The Founder.
Directed by Jon Watts, Spider-Man: Homecoming swings into theaters on July 7, 2017, and in the meantime, provide your suggestion on Spider-man villains Michael Keaton could play in the comments below.
