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Even as Spider-Man 4 continues to flail in production limbo (it's been officially delayed), word arrives that one of the more likely rumours - John Malkovich playing villain The Vulture has been confirmed by the man himself.

Talking on, of all places, Italian sports show Quelli Che il Calcio, Malkovich was asked directly about the news he'd be showing up in the new Spidey outing.

Time to fire up the Translato5000 to reveal what he said: "When conductor Simona Ventura asked him about his role of Vulture in the movie, he not only didn't deny his involvement, but confirmed that he's waiting for the final script to be sent to him, and that the movie has been delayed. He also hopes that shooting will begin as soon as possible."

He might be in for a bit of a wait, since Sony and Sam Raimi seem to be wrangling about the final form of the script, and the choice of the villain is a definite sticking point.

And there's no word yet on whether this means Anne Hathaway will definitely also be appearing as the Vulturess. Malkovich is a fine idea, but if Hathaway does get a role, surely she'd be better off as Felicia "Black Cat" Hardy?