Lin-Manuel Miranda Reveals He Turned Down Vulture Role in ‘Spider-Man Homecoming’

Marvel casting stories have become a distinct genre within entertainment journalism, showcasing actors who nearly took on iconic roles before various circumstances led to someone else stepping in. Every few years, another tale emerges, reshaping fans’ perceptions of beloved films and their final casting choices. Recently, one of Broadway’s most prominent figures added his own surprising chapter to this ongoing narrative.

Lin-Manuel Miranda has spent the last decade managing a diverse array of creative projects, from writing and starring in ‘Hamilton’ to composing music for Disney animated films like ‘Moana’ and ‘Encanto.’ During the initial development of ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming,’ his busy schedule intersected with one of the film’s key roles, even though audiences never witnessed it unfold.

Miranda disclosed that he turned down the role of Vulture in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming,’ a part that ultimately went to Michael Keaton. He shared that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige personally called him to discuss the plot and the role’s requirements. When Miranda inquired about the filming schedule, Feige informed him that it would commence right after he finished performing in ‘Hamilton.’

This timing became the pivotal factor in his decision. Miranda expressed his genuine admiration for Marvel films and his desire to be part of one, but ultimately chose to prioritize his marriage over a demanding shoot that would have forced him to transition directly from the rigors of Broadway to a major studio production without a break. He also noted that he felt he would have been miscast in the role, framing his choice as both a personal and creative decision.

The role of Vulture eventually went to Michael Keaton, whose portrayal of the disgruntled salvage company owner turned weapons dealer Adrian Toomes became one of the most celebrated villain performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Keaton has described the character as an ordinary, working-class individual who feels wronged by the system, a grounded quality that contributed significantly to the role’s success within the film’s narrative about a teenage Spider-Man still finding his way.

Considering how different Keaton’s gruff, blue-collar Vulture is from Miranda’s public persona, the notion of Miranda being initially considered for the role is a genuinely surprising aspect of casting history. It also fits into a broader trend of near-miss Spider-Man casting stories that have emerged over the years, each providing a glimpse into how differently these now-iconic films could have turned out with a single alternative decision.

Miranda’s connection to the Spider-Man franchise did not end with declining the villain role. He has previously mentioned collaborating with Andrew Garfield on ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ during the time when rumors circulated about Garfield’s secret involvement in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home,’ adding another layer to Miranda’s ongoing, albeit largely behind-the-scenes, relationship with the franchise.

This history makes Miranda’s latest revelation feel less like a random casting footnote and more like another thread in a genuinely intricate web connecting him to Peter Parker’s world.

With Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise continuing to grow and Keaton’s Vulture appearing in subsequent installments, Miranda’s choice to prioritize his marriage over a demanding shoot ultimately influenced the trajectory of one of the MCU’s most beloved villain portrayals. It offers a rare insight into how differently one of the genre’s most acclaimed films could have appeared.

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