Matthew McConaughey’s previous rumoredSpider-Manlink didn’t work out, but there may be a place for him in theMCU10 years later. Marvel found their stride in the film industry with 2002’sSpider-Man, and it has opened the door for plenty of other heroes to take the spotlight. Marvel officiallyestablished the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008and almost two decades later, many stars have had their careers elevated because of it.
The MCU helped push established actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson to icon status, and it is introducing newcomers like Iman Vellani and Xochitl Gomez to the industry.Having a role in the MCUis a dream for many stars, and it was reported that one critically acclaimed actor almost had a part in the franchise back in 2015. Nothing came of the rumors, but there still could be a place for Matthew McConaughey in the MCU a decade later.
2015’s Matthew McConaughey Marvel Movie Casting Reports Explained
In 2015,NMEreportedthatMcConaughey was in talks to play the villain Green Goblinin the MCU’s Spider-Man reboot. The actor said he had been in talks with both Marvel and DC for potential projects, though specific ones weren’t named. He was later linked to the character Norman Osborn for the MCU’s Spider-Man reboot after their deal with Sony. Of course, that film ended up beingSpider-Man: Homecomingwhich featured Michael Keaton’s Vulture as the main villain instead.
The McConaughey rumors were in the early days of Sony and Marvel’s new agreement. With British actor Asa Butterfield being the rumored Peter Parker at that time, it’s a tell of how early in development these reports were from. McConaughey has never confirmed that he was up for the role or spoke on the rumors, but it makes sense why Marvel would have considered him for the character with his proven acting range.Green Goblin has since appeared in the MCU, though it was in a way that makes it possible for another actor to take the mantle going forward.
Why Spider-Man 4 Makes More Sense For Matthew McConaughey’s Green Goblin
Willem Dafoe iconically played Green Goblin in Sam Raimi’sSpider-Mantrilogy, and he made a surprise return in 2021’sNo Way Homeas Norman who crossed into the MCU’s universe. That film marked the end of an era and if Marvel did want to officially bring a version of the Green Goblin into the current main timeline, thenit will have to be a stellar performance in order to live up to Willem Dafoe’s beloved portrayal. Bringing in an actor as talented as McConaughey would definitely be a good way to do it.
No Way Home’s 2 Best Villains Make The MCU’s Spider-Man Plans Way Harder To Pull Off
Marvel Studios including two major Spider-Man villains in 2021’s No Way Home has made their official debuts in the MCU’s future that much harder.
It may seem repetitive for the MCU to feature Green Goblin going forward considering the role that Dafoe’s character had inNo Way Home. However, there is still so much potential for the villain in the MCU. Having McConaughey come in to play the MCU’s official Green Goblin would mean more character development, and it would be an interesting dynamic between him and Peter.Peter will undoubtedly be wary of himgiven his experience with the multiverse’s Norman, andSpider-Man’s future MCU projects could be the place to explore that relationship.
