Last month we came across a report that suggested that Batman and Birdman star Michael Keaton was in early talks with Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios about playing a role in Spider-Man: Homecoming. It was reported that he was being eyed for to play a villain. But later, we were informed that the actor had passed on the role.
Now, Variety reports that the studios have once again approached the actor for the same role in Spider-Man: Homecoming! But this time, they are closer to sealing a deal.
According to the outlet, the reason for Keaton's withdrawing his name from consideration was "money issues". There was no dispute over the script or anything else. It seems quite surprising considering the fact that the names of the studios are Sony and Marvel! But it does make sense.
Over the last few years, Michael Keaton has been at the peak of his career. He's starred in both Academy Award for Best Picture winning movies of the last two years - Birdman and Spotlight. He also bagged an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination and won numerous other awards for his portrayal of Riggan Thomson in Birdman. So, he commands a pretty hefty paycheck for movie roles right now.
As we all know, Robert Downey Jr. is the highest-paid actor in Hollywood today. When he signed to reprise his Iron Man role in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Sony was no longer convinced that they could afford Michael Keaton too.
However, Sony and Marvel came up with a way and came back to the 64-year-old actor with a deal that would "make both parties happy".
If Keaton signs the deal, he’ll join already-signed Spider-Man: Homecoming cast members Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei, Zendaya, Laura Harrier, and Tony Revolori. Rumors suggested that Keaton would play Vulture in the movie.
The Jon Watts flick is scheduled to hit the theaters on July 7, 2017, and filming is expected to begin this June.
