The Vulture is not going to be having a major presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Spider-Man: Homecoming if Michael Keaton‘s contract is any indication.
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The actor who will debut as the villain in next month’s standalone Spider-Man flick is only contracted with Marvel Studios for one film. Keaton’s Vulture appears to be going the route Red Skull, Malekeith, Obediah Stane, Yellowjacket, Ronan the Accuser, and several other Marvel Cinematic Universe villains. Though, the possibility of reprising the role the way Tom Hiddleston has as Loki or Josh Brolin will as Thanos remains a possibility but would require a brand new contract for the actor.
Hugo Weaving, on the other hand, has an extended contract with Marvel Studios but has not fully appeared since Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011. Flashback sequences and other footage, however, have helped the actor reprise his role in movies which followed.
Getting a one picture deal is part of what helped Keaton make the decision to sign on to the role in the first place after he, ironically enough, starred in a Birdman movie which satirized serialized roles in such projects.
As for Vulture’s fate after Spider-Man: Homecoming, fans will learn the villain’s post-film status in just a few more weeks. The film hits theaters for the first full weekend in July with screening taking place for press beginning on June 23. The review embargo is set to lift on June 29.
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Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, young Peter Parker (Tom Holland) returns home to live with his Aunt May. Under the watchful eye of mentor Tony Stark, Parker starts to embrace his newfound identity as Spider-Man. He also tries to return to his normal daily routine — distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just a friendly neighborhood superhero. Peter must soon put his powers to the test when the evil Vulture emerges to threaten everything that he holds dear.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is directed by Jon Watts, from a screenplay by Jonathan M. Goldstein & John Francis Daley and Watts & Christopher Ford and Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers, and stars Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Tony Revolori, Tyne Daly, Bokeem Woodbine, Marisa Tomei, and Robert Downey Jr.
(via THR)