Donald Glover’s New Marvel Casting Makes Spider-Man History | Popgen Tech

Sony’s Spider-Man Universe introduced surprising spin-off films, such as Bad Bunny’s El Muerto and Sydney Sweeney’s Madam Web, and it seems another unexpected film has joined the list under the Sony Pictures banner.

Aside from the two aforementioned films, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is set to play Kraven the Hunter on the big screen, while Morbius‘ The post-credits scene may also set up an evil team-up against Spider-Man (which version, no one knows).

While fans are still confused about Sony’s endgame regarding its Marvel universe, the studio appears not to be afraid of that idea as more movies have received the green light.

Donald Glover Set to Make Spider-Man Spin-Off

According to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), Donald Glover (Community, Atlanta) is attached to star and is making a feature about one of Spider-Man’s villains, Hypno-Hustler.

This news means Glover becomes the first actor to play two separate main live-action characters in the Spider-Man franchise, considering he also appeared in a brief role in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, as Aaron Davis, aka Miles Morales’ uncle (as confirmed by a deleted scene).

Additionally, Glover also voices Spider-Man/Miles Morales on the Disney XD series Ultimate Spider-Man in 2015.

The film, reportedly set in Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man universe of Marvel Comics characters, will revolve around the titular villain using hypnosis technology on his instruments on his audience to rob them.

Created by Rocket Racoon creator Bill Mantlo and artist Frank Springer, Hypno-Hustler is a leader of a band called the Mercy Killers and is described as a product of the disco music scene.

Myles Murphy, son of comedian Eddie Murphy, has been tapped as the film’s writer.

THR’s sources also mentioned that Glover is interested in the musical aspect of the villain. In addition, given that the character has less “Marvel canon baggage,” the outlet pointed out that it frees the actor to “larger interpretations,” meaning it can be anything from a disco era piece to a reimagined modern version of hip-hop.

What Will Happen to Donald Glover’s MCU Role Now?

This historic move from Sony could dampen hopes of seeing Donald Glover return to the MCU as Aaron Davis. However, since his role as Miles Morales’ uncle has been confirmed through a deleted scene, it offers an opportunity for Marvel Studios to recast the character if needed.

Although it’s unfortunate, Glover’s production credit on the Hypno-Hustler movie from Sony suggests that he’s passionate about this project, indicating that he’ll likely choose it over his MCU commitment.

It is unknown if the planned Hypno-Hustler movie is connected to the larger universe where Venom and Morbius reside. Based on the report, this could become more likely as Glover leans forward “larger interpretations” outside the Marvel canon baggage.

That said, Glover’s freedom combined with the hiring of Myles Murphy allows Hypno-Hustler to stand out and potentially become one of the saving graces of Sony’s Marvel universe.

Unfortunately, Spider-Man’s presence in all of those movies, along with Hypno-Hustler, remains to be seen.