Spider-Man 4

Checking up on our friends at Empire News, it looks as though Spider-Man 4 is being given every chance to succeed with Sony Pictures signing up the skilled wordsmith James Vanderbilt to pen the upcoming script.

Vanderbilt, who recently wrote the spectacular David Fincher movie Zodiac along with other movies such as the Travolta /Jackson military-themed Basic and the bloody Darkness Falls, is also reportedly putting the final touches on Hugh Jackman's upcoming Wolverine movie.

No doubt there will be shroud of secrecy over this upcoming script. I remember the hype surrounding Spider-Man 3 as it was in production with everyone second-guessing which villain(s) would feature and whether Kirsten Dunst's character Mary-Jane would be killed off.

But who will Spidey be fighting this time around?

In my opinion, the smart money would be placed on this trifecta:

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1. The Lizard

The Lizard's alter-ego in the comics is none other than Dr. Curt Connors, Peter Parker's mentor that has been played in previous Spider-Man movies by actor Dylan Baker.

What makes The Lizard get such hot odds is that traditionally in his human form he is a friend of Peter Parker - only when he transforms does he become one of Spidey's powerful enemies. Considering that no other villain has had such a lengthy set-up in the existing trilogy, it is a safe bet that he will make an appearance.

Then again, I remember people saying just that about Spider-Man 3 before any word had gotten out about Sandman and Venom so who knows?

Actor who could make the role work: ...Dylan Baker?


2. Electro

It should have been an ordinary day at work for electrician Maxwell Dillon. Instead, a freak accident involving lightning and power lines caused him to change into.... Electro!

Electro's powers should be fairly self-explanatory, but the basic gist is that when he is charged up with massive amounts of electricity he is able to move at lightning quick speed and have incredible strength.

While Electro or Maxwell Dillon haven't been referenced in the films, the right script and director could make this villain absolutely awesome. Crackling electricity, lightning bolts. Kind of like Storm in the X-Men 3 only without the questionable acting of Halle Berry to bring it all crashing down.

Actor who could make the role work : Nicholas Cage


3. Mysterio

In the comics, former stuntman/special effects artist Quentin Beck used illusions and trickery to attempt to set up and discredit our hero. While this theme was lightly touched upon in Spider-Man 3, done right this nemesis could make for a different and innovative film where Spidey quite doesn't know what is happening or whom he could trust.

Mysterio's powers involved using gas and chemicals to cloud up Spider-Man's enhanced senses and destroy his webbing. I imagine this would get pretty frustrating.

Actor who could make the role work: Steve Buscemi

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In such early days, none of the big name players (Raimi, Maguire & Dunst) have signed on but I don't think that is cause for concern. These things take time, but with the kind of money that the franchise brings in, the writing skills of Vanderbilt and the legions of fans ... well... it's easy to be excited about this news!


Feel like renting Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2 or Spider-Man 3? Understandable. Click on the links and add it to your queue!