RUMOR: Black Cat For Spider-Man 4?

Lately it seems like Spider-Man 4 is becoming the new Batman 3. The tubes fired Lizard green when actor Dylan Baker confirmed his participation yet again in the franchise. Many believe the long-speculated, green-skinned Spidey rogue is a hair away from being confirmed as the villain, as reports and “inside sources” indicated last week. There’s been talk of Carnage being added to the mix, and threads upon threads of casting calls and debate. Sam Raimi himself has commented on the frequent speculation that the living vampire Morbius would terrorize our friendly neighborhood wall-crawler. Even when it was announced that Bruce Campbell would return for a fourth time with a “meatier role” people instantly screamed “Mysterio” (which would be freaking awesome, in my opinion).

Just like another Batman film, the next installment of the Spider-Man franchise is a target for speculation, rumor and wishful thinking.

So what’s the rumor this week? Well, according to another “insider” and even a subtle hint from an interested actress, Spider-Man may meet his match in the Black Cat for the fourth film.

According to Mania, casting for the Black Cat is already underway with Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Wedding Crashers) being the top pick. Mania also reports that contrary to previous reports, SM4 will be a two-villain deal, and that casting for a male lead villain is on the table; this would also negate the notion of Dylan Baker turning into the Lizard.

A few hours later this juicy bit of news was seemingly corroborated by /Film (via their reader, Ambrose H) who “confirmed” that Raimi & Co. are indeed casting a “new female lead” – keep in mind that Kirsten Dunst has confirmed her return as Mary Jane Watson (eugh), so that could only mean Black Cat, right? Right??

Well, it gets better: apparently actress Romola Garai (who??) has already auditioned (on video, too) for this new female lead role.

So where does this all leave us? While signs are pointing to the Black Cat as a definite possibility, I’m still not ruling out the Lizard factor. Personally, I don’t care much for the Black Cat as a character, and in fact find her boring and unappealing considering the remaining fodder for a great Spider-Man story. But, I’m not ruling anything out. Rumors are rumors, and until you see the word CONFIRMED in the title, take everything with a grain of salt.

Either way, here’s hoping we get some form of confirmation soon. The waters of the internet are running red in a feeding frenzy, and it’s only a matter of time before Raimi & Co. have to let the (black) cat out of the bag.

More news as it develops; what do you think about the Black Cat joining SM4?