With the buzz around the next installment of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man heating up, fans are already speculating about who the web-slinger might face off against in “Spider-Man 4.”

After three movies of battling iconic villains like the Vulture, Mysterio, and a multi-verse mix of baddies, the possibilities for the next villain are endless. But let’s dive into the top contenders that fans are clamoring for!

1. Kraven the Hunter: The Ultimate Predator

Kraven the Hunter has been at the top of fan wishlists for years. A master tracker and big game hunter, Sergei Kravinoff, better known as Kraven, is obsessed with capturing the most elusive prey—Spider-Man. Fans love the idea of a gritty, cat-and-mouse game across New York City, with Spidey being hunted by a villain who relies on raw strength and strategy rather than superpowers. With the success of more grounded villains in the MCU, Kraven could be the perfect antagonist to push Peter Parker to his limits.

Plus, with Kraven the Hunter already making waves in the Sony Spider-Verse, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, fans are more excited than ever to see how this character might cross paths with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. The blend of Kraven’s primal instincts with Holland’s youthful, tech-savvy Spidey could create a thrilling contrast.

2. The Return of Scorpion: Unfinished Business

Remember that post-credits scene in Spider-Man: Homecoming where Mac Gargan, played by Michael Mando, hinted at coming for Spidey? Fans certainly do, and they’re itching to see this thread picked up. Scorpion is a classic Spider-Man villain, with his deadly tail and sheer physicality posing a serious threat to Peter.

The idea of a revenge-driven Scorpion seeking payback for his defeat at the hands of Spider-Man is compelling. The MCU has been known for its interconnected storytelling, so bringing back Scorpion could satisfy long-time fans eager for continuity and a sense of closure to that dangling plot thread.

3. The Sinister Six: A Villainous Team-Up

What if instead of one villain, we got six? The Sinister Six has been teased multiple times in both the MCU and Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, and fans are desperate for this team-up to finally happen. With villains like Vulture, Mysterio, and even Shocker already established, the pieces are in place for a supervillain squad to form.

Tom Holland’s Peter Parker has faced some tough foes, but never a coordinated attack from multiple enemies. Watching Spider-Man outsmart and outmaneuver a team of villains could be a cinematic spectacle unlike any other. Plus, fans love the idea of bringing back past villains and maybe even introducing new ones, like Sandman or Electro, into the fold.

[ Also Read: Spider-Man 4: Will Marvel Finally Swing Into 2026 After the MCU’s Recent Shakeup? ]

4. Black Cat: A New Love Interest or Foe?

Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat, is another character fans are eager to see on the big screen. In the comics, Black Cat has always had a complicated relationship with Spider-Man, oscillating between love interest and adversary. Introducing her into the MCU could add a fresh dynamic to Peter Parker’s life, especially now that his relationship with MJ has taken some twists and turns.

A character like Black Cat would not only be a formidable foe with her agility and cat-like reflexes, but she could also introduce a new layer of moral complexity. Will Spider-Man fall for her charms, or will he stay true to his superhero code? This kind of personal dilemma is exactly the sort of narrative that has made the MCU’s Spider-Man so relatable.

5. Venom: The Symbiote Showdow

Okay, let’s talk about the elephant—or rather, the symbiote—in the room. Ever since that Spider-Man: No Way Home post-credits scene teased the arrival of Venom in the MCU, fans have been eagerly awaiting a showdown between Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Tom Hardy’s Venom. The symbiote storyline is one of the most iconic in Spider-Man lore, and seeing it play out on the big screen again—with a fresh MCU twist—would be a dream come true for many.

The idea of Peter Parker struggling with the dark influence of the symbiote suit, and ultimately facing off against Venom, has fans buzzing with excitement. Given the success of the Venom movies, a crossover seems not just possible but inevitable.

6. Norman Osborn: The Green Goblin Rises Again?

Willem Dafoe’s return as Norman Osborn in No Way Home was a fan-favorite moment, and it reignited interest in seeing a proper MCU version of the Green Goblin. While Dafoe’s portrayal was legendary, some fans are curious to see a new take on the character that fits within the MCU’s continuity.

Norman Osborn is more than just a maniacal villain—he’s a business tycoon, a manipulator, and a shadowy figure who could have a lasting impact on Peter Parker’s life. Whether as the Green Goblin or in a different, more subdued role, Norman Osborn’s presence in the MCU could set the stage for future Spider-Man films and even spin-offs.

[ Also Read: Spider-Man 4: What to Expect from the Upcoming July 2026 Release ]

Final Thoughts: A Villainous Future Ahead

The speculation and excitement surrounding Spider-Man 4 are palpable. Whether it’s Kraven, Scorpion, or even the return of Norman Osborn, fans are eager to see who will take on Tom Holland’s Spider-Man next. One thing’s for sure: whoever the villain is, the next chapter in Spider-Man’s story is bound to be epic!