Following a rather rocky start, where no one seemed to know for certain whether the “Spider-Man” franchise would move past the third film to the fourth, reports are pouring in saying that Black Cat will be the villainess our hero will face on his next adventure. Even more, word in the blogosphere also claims that sweet-faced and extremely talented Anne Hathaway has already been approached for the part.

Nikki Finke, an editor with DeadlineHollywood, is known for her inside connections with Marvel. One way or another, Finke always manages to get the best scoop and, more importantly, to do so before it becomes official. Her inside sources are telling her that the movie studio wants Anne Hathaway for the role of Black Cat in the fourth take on the Spider-Man story and that talks are already under way with her with this purpose.

“I’m aware that the Internet has been afloat with ‘Spider-Man 4’ casting rumors in recent days. While Sony Pictures insists no decisions have been made, sources tell me that the producers have approached Anne Hathaway to star in the film. Maybe you experts have an idea what she’ll play? All I know is that she’s wanted for a starring role, and she won’t replace Kirsten Dunst who’s also cast in the Spidey fourquel. UPDATE: You readers think the role is The Black Cat,” Finke writes.

If accurate, this report would come to contradict earlier rumors, which claimed that both Julia Stiles and Rachel McAdams were contacted for the same part. No comment has yet come from camp Stiles but, as far as McAdams goes, her participation in the project is highly doubtful at this point. As the Examiner reports, the actress officially rubbished the rumors, saying that, if she’d already been cast for the part in “Spider-Man 4” she was certainly the last one to find out about it.

Not long ago, director Sam Raimi revealed, together with some details as to what we should expect from the fourth film in terms of plot, that they were eyeing a spring 2011 release, if possible. “Spider-Man 4” is expected to go into production in early 2010, so make sure you keep an eye on this space for more details on it.