Originally a different villain for S3? Huh?

[Brian Braddock]

From an interview with Thomas Haden Church in the June 2007 FHM (UK edition):-
_____________________________________________________________

FHM: 'Sandman was the first villain cast in the movie.

THC: That's right. At the time Sam and I first spoke, Venom wasn't in the movie - it was a completely different actor and a different villain. I can't tell you anything more about it, although it was a Brit actor who was in for the job'.
______________________________________________________________

Anyone know anything about this?

I've been posting on the Spidey boards for years and I dont recall anything at all about a different villain being in SP3, especially being played by a British actor.

 

[slapshot63]

I think it was Ben Kingsley for the Vulture.

 

[CAH]

Yep, The Vulture and Sandman were originally going to be the only 2 villains, with Ben Kingsley playing the former...which, in short, would've KICKED SO MUCH @$$!

CAH

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

if Vulture was ever in a Spidey film, Ben Kingsley should play him IMO.

 

[FlawlessVictory]

Interesting to read how far along they were with Vulture. Was Harry always supposed to become a Goblin in this film or was that idea introduced later on?

 

[blk_spidey]

Ben Kingsley is exactly Adrian Toomes/Vulture

 

[CAH]

Interesting to read how far along they were with Vulture. Was Harry always supposed to become a Goblin in this film or was that idea introduced later on?

The New Goblin/Harry Osborn was always 'iffy' for Sam Raimi...he wasn't really ever sure for a while...but in the end, I guess he thought it was best. And to be honest, I would've been pissed if he DIDN'T become a Goblin.

BTW, I would've really liked to see The Vulture as the main villain (or was he a secondary?)...would've been interesting.

Spoiler

The Vulture killed Uncle Ben.

CAH

 

[Spiderine]

I can't imagine that the New Goblin was never intended to show up. How in the world would they have concluded Harry's story? It only makes sense to me that Harry and Peter would have had their battle early on with Sandman and Vulture teaming at the end beating Spidey with Harry showing up to help him. A major aerial battle probably would have taken place I would assume.

 

[Spiderine]

Sam the man Raimi loved Sandman, so I would assume Sandman was still going to be the main baddie. Vulture was probably secondary.

 

[Buford The Sly]

EW's summer preview article talks about Kingsley and the meetings that they had with him before the script was finished. Personally I think Vulture would have been a huge mistake. He's probably the least cinematic main villians that Spidey has imo.

 

[Victarion]

Awesome as Vulture would be, Harry saving Peter from a crochety Brit doesn't have the same effect as Harry saving Peter from Venom. (Forgive me if I sound like a mindless venom fanatic).

And I couldn't see Sandman trying to kill Peter, rather than beat him within an inch of his life to teach him a lesson.

 

[Uber Venom]

I believe there's a picture in the Chronicles book that showed Sandman and Vulture on top of a church. Ben Kingsley as Adrian Toomes is friggin' perfect.

 

[lordofthenerds]

If they do plan on putting Vulture in the sequel, they should definently keep Ben Kingsley for the role. Not only is he a talented actor, but he also has an uncanny resemblance to the character.

 

[Dark Phantom]

When you think about it, Vulture would have made the most sense for a third installment. That way you have 3 classic villians fighting Spiderman. IMO, when you look at the list of villians, you'd never think of Sandman and Venom to be in the same film together. They're from two different eras of comic history and although they have interacted before, it doesn't have that classic feel.

I'm glad Venom is in this film and I can't wait to see him, but Vulture would have been a safe and interesting choice. Venom is there just for the fans and the spectacle. Otherwise it would be a lackluster film without Venom.

 

[lordofthenerds]

Spoiler

The Vulture killed Uncle Ben.

CAH

Spoiler

Nope, he crashed into the plane Peter's parents were on.

 

[spidered7]

When you think about it, Vulture would have made the most sense for a third installment. That way you have 3 classic villians fighting Spiderman. IMO, when you look at the list of villians, you'd never think of Sandman and Venom to be in the same film together. They're from two different eras of comic history and although they have interacted before, it doesn't have that classic feel.

I'm glad Venom is in this film and I can't wait to see him, but Vulture would have been a safe and interesting choice. Venom is there just for the fans and the spectacle. Otherwise it would be a lackluster film without Venom.

Sandman and Venom have teamed up in the comics.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

I remember people thought the 4th villian was the Vulture and Larry David was playing him.

 

[Spade]

Yep, The Vulture and Sandman were originally going to be the only 2 villains, with Ben Kingsley playing the former...which, in short, would've KICKED SO MUCH @$$!

CAH

I'm imagining it in my head right now not as a fan but as a moviegoer, and it's not awesome at all. I'm seeing an old man robbing a bank with papier-mâché wings, huffing and wheezing because he can't keep up with Peter. While some people will jump and say "it's the harness-!" I'm thinking realistically of what the average moviegoer will think.

Some people seem to think that every Spider-Man villain works for a feature film, and that SM3 could just include any villain. Some can't, and the movie can't. In this case the Vulture makes no sense- neither does the Sandman, for that case. The only reason I can think of them being here is that Sam has an affinity for the classics...not that I have an issue, just that I'm completely befuddled as to why he's so adamant in only having the classics shine in screen debuts (no, Venom doesn't count- if the Sandman were modern he'd be getting the same amount of attention).

Just because a character is classic or known by the fanbase doesn't automatically mean they will ever have the appeal to hold up a film. Case in point- no one I'm familiar with is going to see this film for Flint's behalf. Characters like Mysterio would drag down a film just in the attempt to adapt them, much less make them appeal to the huge audience the Spider-Man film franchise attracts. Just because smoke and mirrors and harnesses work in the comics doesn't mean it would look good on film. Unless Campbell makes a quick cameo they don't rise above anything but filler material for the notables.

And this is why I fear Spider-Man 4's inevitable production announcement- at some point, Raimi actually thought the Vulture deserved to be in what could possibly be the last Spider-Man film he directs...and maintained the belief that Marko has something to offer.

 

[amazingdm]

I don't like ben kingsly as the vulture at all

it sounds like people are just getting him cuz he's bald for christ's sakes

i'm sick of 60s villains!

 

[Peter B. Parker]

The thing with the Vulture is he is just an thief old man that can fly. That isn't too much of an exciting villian in the movies. Sandman was the best one to go with. Visually, he is the most exciting. I think a great villian for Spider-Man 4 would be Kraven or even the Jackal.

 

[CAH]

I'm imagining it in my head right now not as a fan but as a moviegoer, and it's not awesome at all. I'm seeing an old man robbing a bank with papier-mâché wings, huffing and wheezing because he can't keep up with Peter. While some people will jump and say "it's the harness-!" I'm thinking realistically of what the average moviegoer will think.

Some people seem to think that every Spider-Man villain works for a feature film, and that SM3 could just include any villain. Some can't, and the movie can't. In this case the Vulture makes no sense- neither does the Sandman, for that case. The only reason I can think of them being here is that Sam has an affinity for the classics...not that I have an issue, just that I'm completely befuddled as to why he's so adamant in only having the classics shine in screen debuts (no, Venom doesn't count- if the Sandman were modern he'd be getting the same amount of attention).

Just because a character is classic or known by the fanbase doesn't automatically mean they will ever have the appeal to hold up a film. Case in point- no one I'm familiar with is going to see this film for Flint's behalf. Characters like Mysterio would drag down a film just in the attempt to adapt them, much less make them appeal to the huge audience the Spider-Man film franchise attracts. Just because smoke and mirrors and harnesses work in the comics doesn't mean it would look good on film. Unless Campbell makes a quick cameo they don't rise above anything but filler material for the notables.

And this is why I fear Spider-Man 4's inevitable production announcement- at some point, Raimi actually thought the Vulture deserved to be in what could possibly be the last Spider-Man film he directs...and maintained the belief that Marko has something to offer.

I can agree with that for the most part...The Vulture is most definately what one would call a 'classic villain'...and IMHO, I think he would work great on film...especially the story they were developing for him for SM3...and that picture of him and Sandman on the top of the building (was it a church as someone said before?) is so cool...Vulture actually looks younger than his comic counterpart...which would've been better to make happen, because you're right...some old guy with wings huffing and puffing after Spidey wouldn't look or sound good at all...Adrian Toomes should be more like 40 instead of 60 or 70 years old if he is ever in a film...he can still be bald of course...

...at first, I was not happy at all with the inclusion of Flint Marko/Sandman into this film, but very slowly over time, I have come to respect Sam Raimi's decision to include him...I used to think he would be a horrible main villain, but now I am looking forward to him on Friday...plus, it doesn't hurt that you've got a great actor like THC bringing him to life.

CAH

 

[Superhero 101]

Wow it would have been nice if Kingsley would have been Vulture.. they should have done Vulture and Sandman two original villains in the comics

 

[Maxx Moon]

Another proof than Sam Raimi CLEALRY doesn't give a f.uck about Venom

Sandman is gonna eat this movie and Venom will make the guest appeareance, die and na na na na na na na hey hey good bye

 

[StylishHokie21]

It's a good thing they decided to go with Sandman. The Vulture isn't a very interesting villain IMO.

 

[Superhero 101]

Wow it would have been nice if Kingsley would have been Vulture.. they should have done Vulture and Sandman two original villains from the comics.t: