Spider-Man: Homecoming to Feature Michael Keaton as Its Villain After All - Report

Last month it was reported that although Michael Keaton had engaged in early talks to play a villainous role in Marvel's upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming, the process hadn't progressed any further than the offer stage. However, it now seems that Keaton is back on board, and the actor is in "final negotiations" to appear in the movie.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel looked at a variety of other actors after those initial talks stalled. However, the studio ultimately returned to the Birdman star and negotiations have proceeded more successfully.

This won't be Keaton's first time in a superhero movie, having starred in Tim Burton's blockbuster Batman films, as well as poking fun at the genre in Birdman. It is currently unknown which villain from Spidey's roster of bad guys Keaton will play.

It was recently revealed that although Homecoming is a co-production between Marvel Studios and Sony, it will be Marvel that calls the creative shots on the film. In an interview with HeyUGuys, Marvel boss Kevin Feige emphasized that the relationship between the two studios is a happy one. "Well, I've known all those people [at Sony] for a very long time. It's been great," he said. "They really are supportive in allowing us to make the creative decisions to make that movie, but they've been great partners. So far so good on that movie."

Spider-Man: Homecoming is set for release on July 7, 2017. It will be directed by Jon Watts and stars Tom Holland as the wise-cracking wallcrawler. Holland can currently be seen in Captain America: Civil War, along with Marisa Tomei as Aunt May. You can watch a trailer featuring Spidey right here.