Michael Keaton’s Forgetfulness: A Tale of Marvel Villainy

In the grand tapestry of Hollywood legends, Michael Keaton has woven himself a cloak of iconic roles. Behold, he hath portrayed the Dark Knight known as Batman, and hath danced with spectral delight as The Ghost With the Most, Beetlejuice, who hath once more graced our screens in the recent production named Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Verily, not every character etches itself upon the annals of memory. Indeed, it befell that Keaton hath forgotten his stint as a Marvel villain.

A Marvelous Revelation

Whilst engaging in the ceremonial rites of press for the latest creation of the visionary Tim Burton, Keaton found himself embroiled in the WIRED Autocomplete Interview (via MovieWeb), a ritual where celebrities are asked questions that the digital oracle of the Internet frequently posits about their beings. The discourse veered towards Keaton’s tenure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and therein did he recount how he had to delve into the recesses of his mind to recall the provenance of an august shot in the epic titled Spider-Man: Homecoming.

"I recently beheld this shot," quoth Keaton. "The wondrous shot within the carriage, wherein I peer into the looking glass. A querent did pose me a query regarding this scene, and lo, my mind did falter. I was compelled to consult the electronic scrolls to discern my purpose in that frame. Yea, and I am Vulture, verily."

A Marvelous Oversight

‘Tis not entirely astounding that the spectre of Spider-Man doth not immediately spring to Keaton’s lips when he doth recount his thespian exploits. Despite his portrayal being of notable quality and his character poised for future reappearances, the powers that be, helmed by Kevin Feige and his retinue, have not beckoned Vulture to soar again. True, the varlet did make a peculiar cameo in Morbius, yet that was wrought by the hands of Sony, and none would think ill of Keaton should he banish the memory of such an occurrence.

Yet fear not, for there remains an opportunity for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to make amends unto the actor. A fourth Spider-Man chronicle is presently gestating under the guidance of director Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work upon Shang-Chi. The nature of the tale is shrouded in mystery, with whispers of a multiverse-laden narrative tantalizing the ears. Should the saga steer young Tom Holland’s hero towards terra firma, the revival of Vulture would seem a sagacious step indeed.