The rumors turned out to be true: Michael Keaton will indeed be a part of the "Spider-Man" reboot from Marvel Studios, playing a very important character.
Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, confirmed that the actor has been cast in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" as Vulture, who will serve as the film's main antagonist, in an interview with the Toronto Sun.
"We've had a wish list, and most of them in the near-term are coming together," Feige admitted while discussing other villains that will be introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These include Hela from "Thor: Ragnarok" (to be played by Cate Blanchett), and Thanos from "Avengers: Infinity War" (to be played by Josh Brolin).
Vulture is an alias used by character Adrian Toomes in the comic books. Toomes, who was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, worked as an electronics engineer who created a suit that gave him enhanced strength and the ability to fly. However, he started to live a life of crime after his business partner betrayed him, according to Los Angeles Times.
The casting news would mark Michael Keaton's return to the action-super hero genre, having previously starred in the 1989 version of "Batman," as well as its sequel "Batman Returns," which was released in 1992. Additionally, Michael Keaton was nominated for an Oscar award for his portrayal of an actor who was beleaguered because of his days playing a superhero in the 2014 movie "Birdman," according to the Associated Press.
"Spider-Man: Homecoming" will serve as the first film in the franchise to be produced and released by the studio, which has released several films set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is top billed by Tom Holland, who will play 15-year-old Peter Parker.
Besides Michael Keaton, he will also be joined by Marisa Tomei, Donald Glover, Jon Favreau, Zendaya and Tony Revolori. The film is scheduled to be released on July 7, 2017.
Watch a clip of Keaton's casting in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" below:
