Image via Netflix

‘Spider-Man Homecoming’ Sequel Casts Jake Gyllenhaal as Mysterio; Michael Keaton to Return

Although we are a little over a year away from seeing the sequel to ‘Spider-Man Homecoming’ hit the big screen, it seems that the filmmakers are hard at work casting the film. According to THR, Jake Gyllenhaal is in talks to play Mysterio, one of Spider-Man’s oldest foes from the books. First introduced in June 1964, The Amazing Spider-Man #13 pitted Quentin Beck against the web-slinger as he used elaborate illusions to commit crimes. Here’s a more detailed description of the character, via the always trustworthy Wikipedia:

“a special effects wizard and stunt man working for a major Hollywood studio with dreams of making a name for himself in the film industry. However, he came to see his career in special effects as a dead-end job. His attempts to become an actor were poorly received, but he realized that his expertise in illusions could make him an effective super villain.”

Although this will mark Gyllenhall’s first foray into the realm of comic book movies, he is a good enough actor that he should be able to bring the role to life in an effective manner. The bigger question with this casting movie is the implications that it creates in changing the character’s backstory. Originally, the character was more of a washed-up, over the hill special effects man and casting an actor as young as Gyllenhaal seems to point that the filmmakers might be altering the characters backstory. I doubt that we’ll see Jake Gyllenhaal with a giant, smoke-filled fishbowl on his head but I really hope that they stay as true to the character’s origins as possible.

In addition, Variety is also reporting that Michael Keaton will indeed return for the sequel as The Vulture. Plot details are being kept under tight wraps (for good reason), so time will tell how big of a role Keaton will play in the film this time around. The inclusion of these two characters leads one to believe that Sony might be setting up the Sinister Six for the third film down the line, but that’s purely conjecture at this point.

We do know that the ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming‘ sequel will be a “globe-trotting adventure“, and that Jon Watts is set to return to the director’s chair. John Frances Daily and Jonathan Goldstein penned the script, with Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal producing once again. The sequel also sees the return of Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon and is currently set for a July 5, 2019 release.

Image via Marvel

About Taylor Salan

Taylor Salan is a independent filmmaker who currently resides in the San Fernando Valley. Since childhood, Taylor Salan had a fascination with movies. Although he was an avid fan of film as a child, it wasn’t until his years as a young adult that his passion for the art of filmmaking truly came to fruition. A current student of the film production program at California State University Northridge, Taylor studies Cinematography but ultimately has plans to direct full time if afforded the opportunity. In his spare time, Taylor produces audio podcasts and blogs about film for ageofthenerd.com. He is also a longtime musician, playing drums for over 8 years.

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