After Marvel execs teased that existing MCU characters would be popping up in the upcoming "Spider-Man" reboot, one familiar face has reportedly already been confirmed.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, sources say that Robert Downey Jr. will indeed appear as Iron Man in "Spider-Man: Homecoming," once again teaming up with his "Captain America: Civil War" co-star Tom Holland, who's playing the web-slinging superhero. "Civil War," per THR, "establishes a key relationship between Tony Stark/Iron Man and [Peter] Parker and 'Homecoming' will continue that thread."

It's unclear if Downey will also appear in additional "Spider-Man" flicks after "Homecoming," or if this is just a one-off for the actor in the new franchise. Downey has been making big bank playing Iron Man, so it would make sense for him to continue to cash in on that success; of course, the "Avengers" flicks have kept him busy, too (not to mention his non-Marvel projects), so it remains to be seen how many more movies he'll suit up for.

THR reports that the continued Spidey-Stark relationship is a strategic one for Marvel, which is teaming with studio Sony to handle the character this time around. Sony's last attempt at a "Spider-Man" reboot floundered, and it sought out Marvel's assistance in breathing new life into the character; with Downey onboard, "Homecoming" is very clearly a Marvel project, something the studio no doubt wants audiences to remember.

Audiences can check out Downey and Holland's chemistry when "Captain America: Civil War" opens on May 6. "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is due in theaters on July 7, 2017.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]

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