In a decision that only further proves the chaos of this modern world, Jamie Foxx is officially in talks to reprise his role as Electro from 2014's The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in the upcoming Spider-Man sequel. Looks like Sony's current series of web-slinging films has been popular enough for them to really start getting experimental. Or, at the very least, shocking.
As revealed by The Hollywood Reporter, the third installment following Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home looks to shake things up a bit with this unexpected return. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 famously underperformed with critics and audiences alike, so the surprise comes from more than simply a character seemingly jumping from one "universe" to another. While Foxx's more grounded (ha!) take on the villain Electro was met with mixed reviews, it was far from the most criticized element of the film, so his inclusion is likely more of a simple surprise than a potential controversy.
This story is only the latest in a surprisingly Spider-Man-saturated news cycle, with games, films, and shows offering their share of new info alongside Marvel and Sony's massively popular live-action movie series. From the announcement of a Silk TV show to the near constant barrage of news surrounding the PS5's upcoming Spider-Man: Miles Morales game, fans of New York's friendly neighborhood face puncher have plenty to whet their appetites while waiting.
Where this decision came from is anyone's guess, since no official comments have been offered alongside the news. But after the Tom Holland-led series of films recently surprised viewers with a cameo featuring J.K. Simmons returning to his fan-favorite character of the fast-talking J. Jonah Jameson, this could suggest that Sony has a particular plan up their sleeves. Ever since the near overwhelming success of 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, fans have speculated that the live-action films might introduce a similar "multiverse" of their own. Now, with both of these high-profile crossovers, it seems more likely than ever.
Where will they go with the character? Is he literally the same Electro from the other film, or is he simply another version played by the same actor? Seeing as Simmons' take on Jameson in Spider-Man: Far From Home appeared to be different from his character in the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man films, the latter seems likely. But on the other hand, a multiverse would be cool, and cool things are cool.
At this point, it's only a matter of time until more information is revealed. Given the current world state, many studios aren't in any particular hurry to resume production, either by choice or necessity. So for now, just imagine how weird and cool it will be to see Jamie Foxx and Tom Holland share a screen. But until then, why not watch Into the Spider-Verse again? It has Nicolas Cage and John Mulaney. That's pretty neat.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter