Jake Gyllenhaal has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the villain in the studio’s Spider-Man sequel.
Marvel and Sony Pictures are yet to confirm the news despite a leaked set video appears to show the Nightcrawler actor in character opposite Tom Holland’s web-slinging superhero.
Fans believe that Gyllenhaal is playing Mysterio in the Spider-Man: Homecoming sequel, titled Far from Home. The character – created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko – made his comic book debut in 1964 and was set to make his film debut in the fourth of Sam Raimi’s scrapped franchise. Bruce Campbell was set to portray him.
The original Mysterio – Quentin Beck – began life as a Hollywood stuntman and special effects creator, eventually turning into a super-villain after being rejected by the movie industry.
Gyllenhaal’s casting is yet another example of high-profile talent being drawn to the MCU. Recent additions include Jude Law and Annette Bening who’ll both star opposite Brie Larson in Captain Marvel, the trailer for which you can watch here.
Spider-Man: Homecoming director Jon Watts will also oversee the sequel, while Zendaya, Marisa Tomei and Michael Keaton will all return alongside original Avengers stars Cobie Smulders and Samuel L. Jackson.
Spider-Man: Far From Home will be released 5 July 2019.
