Just when it seemed like we had a good idea of which adversary our favorite wallcrawler would face in the upcoming “Spider-Man 4” along comes the news that may throw all of that into chaos.

Movieline confirms that actors John Malkovich and Anne Hathaway are in discussions to star in the film.  Citing sources close to the production, Movieline reports that both are in the running to play adversaries to Spider-Man in the upcoming movie.

Speculation centers on Malkovich stepping into the role of Spidey’s adversary the Vulture (who appeared in the second ever issue of “Amazing Spider-Man”  and Hathaway playing  Felicia Hardy but not the Black Cat from the comics.  Instead, Hardy would take on the role of a new villain, the Vultress.

Hathaway is the latest in a line of “it” Hollywood actresses linked to the role of the Black Cat.   Rachel McAdams was previously rumored for the role, though the actress denied the reports several weeks ago.  Julia Stiles and Romola Garai have also been mentioned for the role.

The report contradicts other prominent rumors that the Lizard would be the big adversary for the next Spider-Man movie.    There were also rumblings that Bruce Campbell might play Mysterio in the upcoming film.

Nothing has been confirmed yet, however.  But it appears that the waters are cloudier than ever on just who Spidey will be battling in the upcoming fourth movie.

And while I can see Malkovich in the role as the Vulture, my first choice would be Patrick Stewart….