By Jacek Yerka

by Jacek Yerka

The Amazing Spider-Man 2: News Rundown

There are a lot of stories, rumours, and casting decisions going around about the sequel to 2012s the Amazing Spider-Man. Yes, I agree with most that the reboot came very soon after Sam Raimi’s disaster that was Spider-Man 3, however I really think that this time it’s going in the correct direction. Director Marc Webb has a good grasp of what he’s doing in each film and by what he has said in interviews has a good plan going forward. A good example of this is the return of his writer for Amazing Spider-Man 3.

The always brilliant Paul Giamatti (Shoot ‘Em Up) will be playing Aleksei Sytsevich, the Rhino. Webb made it very clear that his role will be small in the film stating “[he] makes an appearance, in a very funny, provocative way. But it’s just an appearance.” I would assume Rhino will be part of the opening action sequence, however Giamatti has confirmed he will be back for the third movie. Webb’s team has yet to release a picture of Paul Giamatti in the full Rhino suit, but I think it would be safe to assume that he will be completely CGI. I am very curious as to how this character will turn out.

From what it appears there are several villains in this movie, however Marc Webb has made it clear that there is only ONE main villain, and that is none other than Jamie Foxx (Django unchained) as Electro. So far details are pretty limited on his powers and the characters conflict with Spidey. There are speculations that he is an employee of Oscorp.

This brings me to what I think is the most exciting part, the Osborn family. Replacing the great Willem Defoe as Norman Osborn is going to be Chris Cooper (the Bourne movies.) Cooper is a fantastic choice for the eventual villain. Webb has been coy with details but has chosen to describe Norman, who eventually becomes the Green Goblin in most adaptations, as an evolution throughout the movies. Norman is mentioned in the first movie, but is described as being ill. Sounds like the Green Goblin may not come into play until number 3. With crazy apparently running in the family, Norman’s son Harry will be played this time by Dane Dehaan (Chronicle). Apart from his friendship with Peter Parker not much else is known about Harry’s relationship with Peter and/or Spider-Man. If Norman is sick however, is it possible that Harry will instead take the mantle of Green Goblin? If you’ve watched Chronicle it’s pretty clear that Dehaan is a great choice to play a conflicted Harry as well as have him be the villain.

Full plot details are still scarce but the most popular rumour is the involvement of the Sinister Six. This rumour is helped by statements from Jamie Foxx saying there have been discussions of the Sinister Six appearing in the movies. There have been lots of casting choices that definitely leave it open for lots of villains. Cilm Feore has been cast as Adrian Tooms, whose character ends up becoming the Vulture. Felicity Jones has been cast as well, and although her character hasn’t been announced there are a lot of rumours that she will be playing Felicia Hardy also known as the Black Cat. According to the cast list on IMDB Jim Carrey has also been cast although no character has been announced either.

What has me most excited about this sequel is definitely all the casting announcements. There are a ton of characters in this movie that are openings for lots of possibilities. Early in production Shailene Woodley (the Descendants) was cast as Mary Jane Watson and even a few scenes were filmed, but with all these characters the team decided to cut her out entirely to stream line the movie. Marc Webb explained it by saying “I thought it was better to focus on the story with Gwen and not confuse it.” My only concern is with Jim Carrey, I have no idea where that casting choice is going.