Spider-Man: Homecomingis slowly inching nearer and we now have confirmation on one long-standing rumor about the movie, as well as a pretty much debunked rumor. Both of these bits are related to casting and both of them will likely make most fans very happy. To start, it has finally been firmly confirmed that Oscar nomineeMichael Keatonis playing theVulturein the movie.
There have been a couple of less direct confirmations of this casting news in recent months and this was something that had pretty much been suspected since the momentMichael Keatonwas attached toSpider-Man: Homecoming. Now, thanks to theToronto Sun, Marvel Studios PresidentKevin Feigehas given us official confirmation. Here is what he had to say.
“We’ve had a wish list, and most of them in the near-term are coming together. Cate Blanchett is playing Hela in Thor: Ragnarok. Michael Keaton’s Vulture in Spider-Man [Homecoming] is something. And of course, finally, we’re showcasing Josh Brolin’s Thanos (in Avengers: Infinity War). We’re looking forward to that very much.”
EvenKevin Feige, who isn’t shy of making big announcements, decided to just casually say thatMichael Keatonis playing Vulture. This news may not come as a big surprise, but it is no less great to hear. The actor has had a massive career resurgence in recent years and he seems tailor made to play the part of Adrian Toomes, aka Vulture. The character is one of Spider-Man’s oldest and greatest foes. He is a former engineer who builds himself a suit that enables himself to fly and gives him enhanced strength and capabilities.
Okay, so we now know for sure who will be squaring off withTom HollandinSpider-Man: Homecoming, but who will he have a high school crush on? Well, we don’t totally know, but if it is Mary Jane Watson, it now seems like she won’t be played byZendaya. It has been rumored heavily for quite some time that she might be playing the iconic redhead, but unless they have changed the character dramatically, it doesn’t seem like that will be the case.Zendayarecently spoke withThe Hollywood Reporterand when asked if she will be Peter Parker’s love interest in the movie, she simply responded “no,” but then elaborated. Here is what she had to say.
“My character is not romantic. My character is like very dry, awkward, intellectual and because she’s so smart, she just feels like she doesn’t need to talk to people, like “My brain is so far ahead of you that you’re just not really on my level.” So she comes off very weird. But to me, she is very cool because she’s deep. She’s always thinking about something, always reading. I like that. And I also like that I don’t really have to do anything for hair and makeup. I just get to walk in and walk out.”
So there you have it. Anyone familiar with the character ofMary Jane Watsonfrom the comics, or even theSam RaimiSpider-Manmovies, will quickly realize that description is the furthest thing from MJ. Not only that, butZendaya’s character is named Michelle. Some had suspected that was something of a red herring, but now it seems more like that is actually her character’s name. Feelings amongst fans were quite divided when the rumors ofZendayaplaying Mary Jane first surfaced, so this will come as a relief to many.
The rest of the cast forSpider-Man: HomecomingincludesBokeem Woodbine,Marisa Tomei,Martin Starr,Angourie Rice,Logan Marshall-Green,Donald Glover,Hannibal Buress,Tony Revolori,Jon FavreauandRobert Downey Jr., who set to appear as Tony Stark, but maybe not Iron Man, as he is reportedly taking on more of a mentor’s role in the movie. The movie is being directed byJon Wattswhose previous credits includeCop Carand the horror movieClown.Spider-Man: Homecomingis set for release on June 18, 2025.
