Rumour: Marvel is casting its first Phase 4 villain – and it could be Norman Osborn

Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney

What comes after Thanos? We could be getting an answer the unenviable question with news of Marvel Studios potentially casting the first big Marvel Phase 4 villain. A recent report has surfaced that suggests a new baddie – one that’s already been namechecked in the MCU – could be on the way. If you want to take the whispers and read between the lines a bit, it sure sounds like a certain Green Goblin could be coming out to play.

Now, to preface this: It should be taken with a Hulk-sized pinch of salt. It’s definitely not fact and, even if there is some truth to it, plans change. But here’s the juicy stuff: The GWW is hearing that Marvel is searching for a male actor between the ages of 40 and 60 under the codename ‘The Benefactor.’

Does that name ring a bell? It should. Ant-Man and the Wasp villain Sonny Burch mentioned a shadowy benefactor – he even called them ‘The Benefactor’ – throughout the movie. Of course, that could be just about anyone, but Marvel retro-fitting the role for it to become someone like Normal Osborn would make a lot of sense, especially as a benefactor hints at someone who could bankroll a major criminal organisation. Osborn not only fits that bill - but has previous for doing so in the comics too.

After all, the ages also match up. With a Tony Stark-shaped hole in the MCU (and Spider-Man: Far From Home on the horizon), it stands to reason that Norman Osborn could be introduced sooner rather than later. Having said that, it could just as easily be a different villain entirely, so don’t get your hopes up.

Even if it isn’t ol’ Normie shuffling on over to the MCU – he hasn’t been seen in a Marvel movie since Willem Dafoe gleefully chewed up the scenery back in the first Sam Raimi Spider-Man flick – it’s clear that the wheels are beginning to turn when it comes to the next era of the MCU. A hero is only ever as good as his villain, after all - and we’ll need plenty of good ones to replace the Mad Titan.

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.