Spider-Man Homecoming sequel to star THIS megastar as major villain alongside Tom Holland?

Tom Holland is due to reprise the role of Peter Parker in the follow-up to 2017’s box office smash, and the next movie is confirmed to be starting within minutes of the end of last year’s Avengers 4.

According to The Sun, it’s Jake Gyllenhaal who is on the verge of signing up to join the MCU next.

He was allegedly in competition with Ryan Gosling for the part, but the latter has had to drop out of the race due to other commitments.

“Producers were keen to sign Ryan but he was busy filming another project,” a source told the tabloid.

“Jake is a suitable alternative with experience of playing villainous characters.”

The villain in question is Mysterio, who made his first appearance in Issue 13 of the 1964 comic The Amazing Spider-Man.

Shooting on the new Spider-Man movie, which does not currently have an official title, is expected to take place this summer.

Stan Lee, the co-creator of Marvel heroes including Spider-Man, took to Twitter over the weekend to say he is a huge fan of Holland in the role.

“I think @TomHolland1996 is a great Spider-Man,” he wrote.

“He is the exact height and age I envisioned when I first wrote Spider-Man. Spidey was never supposed to be too large. How is my friend Tom doing?

“Never give up on your dreams! When I first wrote Spider-Man my publisher said I was crazy because people hate spiders and insects and he was not going to publish it.

“But I never gave up, until it was published.”

Holland, 21, replied: “Thanks very much Stan. It all started with you sir. Looking forward to catching up soon bud.”

The British-born actor can currently be seen in Avengers: Infinity War, and will be back in Avengers 4 next Spring.

Spider-Man: Homecoming was a big hit last year, and was Holland’s second appearance in the role – after his debut in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War.