Leaked Spider-Man 4 photo shows Sam Raimi’s Vulture costume

Although it was shelved over a decade ago, Spiderman 4 still makes headlines. Author and illustrator Ken Penders, who has worked for both Marvel and DC Comics, took to Twitter to share a picture he took while visiting friends who were working on production of the now-defunct film. It revealed a detailed look at the wings for Vulture’s costume, to be played by John Malkovich.

John Malkovich’s Vulture costume from the canceled Spider-Man 4 has been leaked

Penders said he “intended to post this earlier as I received permission to share it from those involved weeks ago”. While the image only shows Vulture’s feathered wings, Penders added that a full body cast was also created. Unfortunately, he says, he wasn’t allowed to photograph it because the cast of Malkovich was never fully sanctioned. Then, after searching his archives, he actually found the mold in the background of other images.

Spider-Man 4 was originally scheduled for release on May 5, 2011. Sam Raimi was set to return to the director’s chair, and Tobey Maguire was set to take the title role for the fourth time. Joining Vulture would be Marvel villain Lizard, played by Dylan Baker, who played Spider-Man 3 as Dr. Curt Connors starred. Concept art from creatives working on the film also featured Shocker and Mysterio, which would have filled the film with familiar comic book faces.

Although it seemed like Maguire’s time in the Spider-Man suit was up, he made a surprise return in the recent Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Spider-Man: No Way Home. This led to Raimi making some comments about possibly returning to the series at some point in the future as well, but it seemed like he would only do so when Maguire helmed the film alongside Kirsten Dunst as MJ. He told the Los Angeles Times that “it probably would have to be with Tobey or he’d break my neck.”

In other news, Avatar 2: The Way of Water embargo reactions and reviews appear to have leaked, and Mark Hamill’s Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special character has been revealed.