Considering the movie is scheduled to start filming early next year, it should come as little surprise that the first character details for Spider-Man 4 are slowly, but surely, leaking to the web.

The first character rumor to set the web all aflutter? Looks like that the infamous Black Cat will be joining everyone’s favorite webswinger in the 4th Sam Raimi helmed adventure, and honestly, I don’t think I could be much happier with that character choice.

Raimi’s demonstrated that he works best with classic Spider-Man villains and history, and there are few characters that work better as a natural foil for Spidey than the attractive “Is she hero, Is she villian” cat burglar otherwise known as Felicia Hardy.

What makes this really work for me is it’s a character that naturally impacts the the biggest components of Spider-Man, his balance of personal life and superhero life, as he typically stumbles into romance with the Black Cat, which makes things difficult with Mary Jane.

Now, I really don’t want another film with Kirsten Dunst sulking the whole time, but I think the concept of a 4th Spider-Man with him dealing with both the Black Cat and say, The Lizard, could be a great time.

Worth noting, the first actress rumored for the white wig and cat mask is Rachel McAdams, whom I’m guessing is building some serious buzz over her supporting role in Sherlock Holmes.

Either way, this is the first time I can say I’m vaguely excited about Spider-Man 4.  There’s a long road between now and May 2011, and I think Raimi realizes he needs to impress on this one. We’ll see what happens.

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