While there has been recent talk about the villains in an upcoming superhero sequel, it seems there might be a feline villain in the film. Mania.com is reporting that Rachel McAdams has met with the Spider-Man 4 producers to play Felicia Hardy a.k.a. The Black Cat.

It was said that McAdams is the top contender to play the character, who starts out as a petty cat burglar in the comic books and develops an obsession with Peter Parker/Spider-Man.

The site is also reporting that the film would be a two-villain movie, with casting under way for a male villain. With the new casting, it seems that Dylan Baker's Dr. Curt Connors would not turn into the villain Lizard in this film, although Baker has revealed he will reprise his role of Curt Connors in the sequel.

Meanwhile, The Observer ran a column from actress Romola Galai, where she indicated she was vying for a role in the film as well.

"Love is at the root of everything good that has ever happened and will happen." This phrase swam into focus as I moved up the escalator at Oxford Circus tube on Tuesday morning on my way to put myself "on tape" for a part in Spider-Man 4. This is the acting equivalent of the London Marathon in that it's important to try your best as long as you understand that you aren't going to win.

Of course, it isn't clear if Galai is auditioning for the Felecia Hardy role, but at the very least, things seem to be moving forward on the film. Spider-Man 4 will go before cameras in March 2010 for a May 5, 2011 release date.