Donald Glover To Star In ‘Spider-Man’ Spin-Off As Obscure Villain

Donald Glover has been cast as the lead character in a forthcoming Spider-Man spin-off movie based on a lesser known villain from the Marvel Comics universe.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Glover will play Hypno-Hustler (real name Antoine Delsoin), the leader of a band called the Mercy Killers. As his villain name implies, the character uses hypnosis technology in his instruments to rob his band’s audience.

Hypno-Hustler first appeared in Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man No. 24 in 1978. Though the character isn’t necessarily a fan-favorite, sources say Donald Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino) was drawn to the character’s musical angle.

In addition to being its lead actor, Donald Glover will also take on the role of producer for the untitled project. Eddie Murphy‘s son Myles Murphy has also signed on to write the movie’s screenplay.

Like Venom, Childish Gambino’s Hypno-Hustler will enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe through Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man universe. The Hollywood studio is also set to release another film based on Spider-Man villain Kraven The Hunter, due out October 6, 2023; and is developing hero titles for Madame Web and Spider-Woman.

While yet to confirm his involvement, Donald Glover may still reprise his role as Troy in the movie adaptation of cult-classic NBC television show Community. A feature film was greenlit in September, with the majority of the original cast locked in — with the exception of Chevy Chase’s character, who was killed off in Season 5; and Glover and Yvette Nicole Brown, who did not appear in the show’s sixth and final season.

However, in a subsequent interview, Community creator Dan Harmon, who is currently writing the project, said that he “can’t imagine it without series star Donald Glover.”

“For lack of a better word, there was a ball fumbled… [Glover] is down to clown,” Harmon said about Glover’s involvement with the film. “Man, I would not want to think about making [the movie] without Donald.”

Childish Gambino had previously revived his role as Troy Barnes in 2020, when the cast of Community reunited for a virtual table read as part of a COVID-19 relief initiative benefiting Frontline Foods and José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen. At the time, he and his former cast mates all said that they would be open to the idea of doing a movie.

Donald Glover recently added to his decorated resumé after receiving a nomination at the 2023 Golden Globes. The actor and musician is nominated for Best Actor in a TV Series – Musical or Comedy for his role as Earnest “Earn” Marks in Atlanta, which he created.

This marks Glover’s fourth Golden Globes nomination for the show, who previously took home the awards for Best Actor in a TV Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2017, both for Atlanta.

Atlanta wrapped its six-year, four season run on FX in November.

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