Jake Gyllenhaal in talks to star in Spider-Man: Homecoming 2

The actor is set to play Mysterio in the sequel

(Getty)

With superhero movies dominating the Box Office (Deadpool just overtook Avengers: Infinity War for the number one spot), almost every actor under the sun seems keen to land themselves a franchise.

According to various Hollywood trade publications, Jake Gyllenhaal has entered into discussions to portray the Marvel villain Mysterio in the as-yet-untitled sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming.

The character has long been an adversary of Spider-Man, the original Mysterio – Quentin Beck – beginning life as a Hollywood stunt man and special effects creator, eventually turning super-villain after being rejected by the movie industry.

Mysterio was also a popular member of the Sinister Six, an evil squad who intended on bringing down Spider-Man (and were once scheduled to have their own spin-off movie).

The character was previously played by Bruce Cambell in the Sam Rami Spider-Man movies, making minor appearances in all three with the goal being to have the character as the main villain in the unmade fourth movie.

Gyllenhaal marks another famous name to add to the cast, the actor having recently appeared in Stronger, Life, Okja, and the upcoming Paul Dano-directed feature Wildlife. Confirmed cast members include Tom Holland and Jacob Batalon, while Zendaya is also expected to return to the series.

Spider-Man: Homecoming 2 reaches cinemas 5 July 2019.