Thescreescore – In a fascinating revelation that offers a glimpse into the intricate casting process of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, acclaimed creator Lin-Manuel Miranda recently disclosed that he was very nearly cast as Adrian Toomes, also known as the Vulture, in Tom Holland’s debut solo outing, Spider-Man: Homecoming. This surprising tidbit unveils a significant "what if" in the early days of Holland’s tenure as the friendly neighborhood web-slinger, a role he has masterfully inhabited since the 2017 blockbuster.
The MCU’s Spider-Man saga, much like its predecessors, has consistently delivered a compelling rogues’ gallery, brought to life by an impressive array of acting talent. From Michael Keaton’s nuanced portrayal of the Vulture to Jake Gyllenhaal’s deceptive Mysterio, Willem Dafoe’s return as the Green Goblin, and Jamie Foxx’s electrifying Electro, these antagonists have been pivotal to the franchise’s success. It was into this esteemed company that the Moana songwriter and Hamilton mastermind almost stepped.
During a candid conversation on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, Miranda confirmed long-standing rumors about a missed Marvel opportunity. Horowitz, having done his research, pressed Miranda on a role he reportedly declined in the summer of 2016. The playful exchange quickly honed in on Spider-Man: Homecoming.
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"It was Vulture," Miranda unequivocally stated, recounting a phone call with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. He vividly recalled Feige detailing the entire plot, including the pivotal reveal of Adrian Toomes being Liz Allan’s father. "They get to the door, and it’s her dad and I went, ‘Oh!’" Miranda exclaimed, acknowledging the genius of the twist that ultimately grounded the film’s villain.
However, despite the allure of joining the MCU, Miranda’s commitment to his groundbreaking Broadway musical, Hamilton, and his family ultimately took precedence. When asked about the shooting schedule, Feige reportedly informed him it would commence "basically, the moment you step off-stage in Hamilton." Miranda’s response was immediate and resolute: "I would really like to… I love these movies, but I would really like to stay married. So, I cannot do this."
Reflecting on the decision, Miranda expressed no regrets, firmly believing that his casting as the winged antagonist "would have been terrible." He lauded Michael Keaton’s performance, asserting that "Keaton was perfect" and that the filmmakers "found exactly who they needed." Indeed, Keaton’s Vulture remains one of the MCU’s most memorable and sympathetic villains, a testament to the casting team’s ultimate choice.
While some might playfully suggest Miranda "threw away his shot" at Marvel stardom, his dedication to his family and his artistic endeavors remains unwavering. The multi-talented artist continues to be a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, with new projects like the musical feature Octet on the horizon, proving that even without a supervillain suit, his career trajectory is nothing short of spectacular.
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