It’s official: Michael Keaton will play the Vulture in the ‘Spider-Man’ reboot

The rumors are true: Michael Keaton will be playing the villain in “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed in an interview with the Toronto Sun that Keaton has been tapped to play the Vulture in the upcoming “Spider-Man” reboot.

“We’ve had a wish list, and most of them in the near-term are coming together,” Feige revealed while discussing the Marvel Cinematic Universe villains. “Cate Blanchett is playing Hela in ‘Thor: Ragnarok.’ Michael Keaton’s Vulture in ‘Spider-Man’ 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.”

Keaton, of course, is no stranger to superhero films. Before starring in Oscar-winning films such as “Birdman” and “Spotlight,” the actor portrayed DC’s iconic comic book hero Batman in 1989’s “Batman” and in the follow-up, “Batman Returns.”

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In July, Sony released concept art revealing that the new “Spider-Man” would feature the villain Vulture. At Marvel’s San Diego Comic-Con presentation, the new “Spider-Man” director, Jon Watts, described the film as “a straight-up high school movie.”

In comic books, the Vulture was an alias used by Adrian Toomes. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Toomes was an electronics engineer who invented a special suit that enabled him to fly and also gave him enhanced strength. He turned to a life of crime after being wronged by his business partner.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” stars Tom Holland as 15-year-old Peter Parker. The cast also includes Donald Glover, Marisa Tomei, Zendaya, Jon Favreau and Tony Revolori. The film is scheduled to hit theaters July 7, 2017.

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