Just how much clout does Tobey Maguire have with the upcoming Spider-Man 4? Whether it’s a little or a lot, at least the star has an opinion about which Spider-Rogues should be in the next film, and he’s not afraid to share it.

During a press conference for his latest movie Brothers, Maguire was asked to name his preference among The Lizard, Mysterio, and Carnage. The trio had topped a recent MTV fan poll for which villain should appear in Spider-Man 4.

According to Ace Showbiz, Maguire was more enthusiastic about The Lizard and Mysterio — a human-reptile hybrid and a special effects master, respectively. "I'm more familiar with Lizard and Mysterio, and I don't know — I like them as villains," Maguire said.

Part of the reason might be Peter Parker/Spider-Man’s relationship with the Lizard’s alter-ego, Dr. Curt Connors, which he noted has great story potential. The character of Dr. Connors works as a professor at Columbia University, where Parker is enrolled, and has served as a mentor to the character in the first three Spider-Man movies.

"I think they're great, and Lizard obviously has a very personal relationship with Peter Parker, so we often will go towards that kind of stuff," Maguire said.

As to why tangling with Carnage might seem less appealing, Maguire said neither he nor director Sam Raimi is very familiar with that villain, who derives his powers from an alien life form similar to the Spider-Man bad guy Venom.

While The Lizard and Mysterio are long-standing Spider-Man antagonists, Carnage was introduced during the 90’s, making him less of a classic villain. "I'm aware of Carnage, but I know Sam [Raimi-director] was sort of a fan of the early Spider-Man comics, and Carnage comes much later," Maguire said.

No word if the actor thinks The Black Cat, who has been the subject of near-daily casting rumors, would also be an attractive Spider-Man 4 option. Whoever ends up being the antagonist, principal photography on the movie is scheduled to begin in February or March 2010 for a May 6, 2011 release.