Shailene Woodley is the lead choice to play Mary Jane Watson in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, according to reports.
Woodley is the main choice to star as Watson, according to Variety, who broke the news. The studio is also in the process of deciding on a villain and Harry Osborn (Peter Parker’s best friend and eventual enemy – as seen in the original Spider-Man film series played by James Franco). The news comes at a good time for Woodley as The Secret Life of the American Teenager on ABC Family was just canceled today. Season 5 will be its last.
Variety believes that one of the choices is Electro (also known as Max Dillon), “an enemy of Spider-Man who gains the ability to control electricity after being struck by lightning. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #9 in February 1964.”
Just a couple of weeks ago we learned that Marc Webb will return to direct The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Webb wasn’t sure about returning for a sequel, as he was too preoccupied with the first installment that he couldn’t make a decision.
After making $751 million worldwide, there was zero doubt that a sequel would be made with Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man. Spidey fans domestic and overseas came out in droves to see the Spider-Man reboot and despite slipping to a 73% on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was well received by its core audience.
It will be interesting to see how the re-introduction of Mary Jane so soon after Kirsten Dunst vacated the role, and for Harry Osborn, for that matter. Obviously having talented actors will be the first step in that direction.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 hits theaters May 2, 2014. Meanwhile, the first Amazing Spider-Man will be released on DVD/Blu-ray in November, in time for the Holiday season.