Robert Downey Jr. joins Spider-Man: Homecoming!

Spider-Man Movie NewsBy Gavin Apr 22, 2016Comments

Recent news suggested that Batman 1989 and Birdman star Michael Keaton was in talks to join the 2017 reboot of the Spiderman cinematic universe that, thanks to a deal made between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios, will also include the character and any future movies within the much larger and massively successful MCU. The Beetlejuice and Duplicity star was reportedly in talks to play a villain in the forthcoming reboot. Fan speculation suggestions proposed the Hollywood veteran could have been in the running for the role of Norman Osborn, Mysterio, Max Gargan or (taking inspiration from his role in Birdman) as the Vulture. Unfortunately, according to Deadline Keaton will not be joining the cast as the primary antagonist, and the search for a new actor to fulfill the role.

While the 2017 Spider-Man reboot may have lost a face for one of its villains, it has however gained the inclusion of the father of the MCU in Tony Stark, portrayed by MCU veteran Robert Downey Jr. whom will be reunited with British actor Tom Holland. Reprising their roles and dynamic from the forthcoming Captain America: Civil War, Downey will likely play the mentor to Holland's Peter Parker, supplying the youngster with the necessary technology and materials needed for the wall crawler to fight crime in New York.

This will be Downey's 8th time playing Tony Stark if you include the cameo in 2008's Incredible Hulk.