According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jake Gyllenhaal is in talks to star as the classic Spider-Man villain Mysterio in the upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming sequel.
Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko back in 1964, Mysterio is a special effects expert named Quentin Beck that uses his talents to create elaborate illusions to commit crimes and to fight Spider-Man.
Gyllenhaal was once considered to take over the titular role of Spider-Man when then Spidy star Tobey Maguire injured his back shooting Seabiscuit. It was questionable as to whether he would be able to return to film Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2, so Gyllenhaal was rumored to be stepping into the role.
Mysterio was intended to appear in ill-fated Spider-Man 4 with Bruce Campbell being considered for the role, but the relative failure of Spider-Man 3 sunk that project.
Returning will be Tom Holland as Spidy, as well as Homecoming director Jon Watts and writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. The film is scheduled for a July 5, 2019 release.
