Michael Keaton Confirmed as ‘Spider-Man’ Villain Vulture

Michael Keaton is officially onboard to play the villain in the new Spider-Man reboot.

The Birdman star, 65, originally began negotiations to appear in Spider-Man: Homecoming in April, but reportedly dropped out due to salary issues.

He re-entered talks in May, and now Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed Keaton’s role as Adrian Toomes, aka The Vulture, in the forthcoming movie, which will star Tom Holland as Peter Parker and his web-slinging superhero alter ego.

Feige shared the news in a chat with the Toronto Sun as he revealed many of the studio bosses’ casting dreams were coming true.

“We’ve had a wish list and most of them in the near-term are coming together,” he said. “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.”

Ironically, Keaton was previously part of Marvel’s rival DC Comics universe after taking on the title role in Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989 and 1992’s Batman Returns.