Sarah Gadon Confirms Joining THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Franchise, Is She Playing Mary Jane Watson?

ETCanada has confirmation that Canadian actress Sarah Gadon has indeed joined Marc Webb's Amazing Spider-Man franchise. It was reported earlier today by MovieWeb that Gadon would be replacing Shailene Woodley as Mary Jane Watson in the sequels starting with Amazing Spider-Man 3. As Woodley's commitments to Divergent sequels likely conflicted with the production of Amazing Spider-Man 3. The third installment would greatly focus on Peter and Mary Jane's relationship. While it's confirmed she's apart of the franchise her role has yet to be. It's very possible she's playing MJ but there are many ladies in Peter's life including good friends like Liz Allan, Betty Brant and Felicia Hardy (Black Cat). Felicity Jones is rumored for the latter but again her part hasn't been revealed either.

Huge news for @sarahgadon - she just confirmed to us that she is joining The Amazing Spider-Man franchise pic.twitter.com/HpRcAMhQGU
— ET Canada (@ETCanada) June 21, 2013

Felicity Jones Confirms Role In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2

Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) has finally mentioned her involvement with The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The British actress confirmed to RTLNetherlands (via CBM) that she indeed is apart of the massive film which is currently in production. Originally, Deadline reported on Jones being looked at for a role but when revealing another project of her's quietly confirmed Felicity joining Spidey 2.  Her role hasn't been revealed but speculation points to either Black Cat (Felicia Hardy) or Peter's co-worker Betty Brant. The rest of the impressive and growing cast includes Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Sally Field, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Shailenne Woodley, Paul Giamatti and Colm Feore.

"I've never done a superhero movie. It's very nice to you as an actor in several worlds to go and to experiment."

Felicity Jones Confirmed For Amazing Spider-Man 2?

Deadline has just seemingly confirmed that Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) has taken an unnamed role in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Her role isn't named but likely could be Felicia Hardy or Betty Brant. They had originally reported that Felicity was in talks along with Paul Giamatti for a third female role in the film. Instead of "in talks" the wording in the new article says "stars" which gives the impression she's locked-in. Jones had been previously linked to lead roles in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Snow White And The Hunstman.

Before Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 4 got the axe Anne Hathaway had been cast in the role of Black Cat. It's a strong possibility that Spidey could finally get a crime fighting partner since the amount of villains are rising as Rhino (Giamatti) and Electro (Foxx) will be the baddies along with the rumored involvement of Green Goblin.

It had been thought that Webb and Sony were looking to create a Spider-Man universe bigger than previously seen in the Raimi films. I could see Black Cat ending up the "Black Widow/Catwoman" of this new branch of Sony's Marvel cinematic universe. Gwen and Mary Jane are sort of stuck as love-interests/damsels while it would be nice have a female superhero/anti-hero to root for. Plus, the comics were known for Spidey's classic team-ups to have him solo all the time doesn't make much sense if Sony has access to characters like Black Cat, The Prowler, Silver Sable and Venom.

Also, news that production has begun via director Marc Webb's twitter account as he announced they would be shooting in 35mm. The last film had shot digitally so it should effect the overall look of the sequel. It sounds like the first step to Webb having a little more control over the production than he did on the last installment. I would assume in-part thanks to his new contract when Sony had to re-sign him for the second film.

Paul Giamatti In Talks For Rhino In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, Felicity Jones Might Also Take A Role

You might remember a couple of years back actor Paul Giamatti said he wanted a shot at playing Spidey villain The Rhino while being interviewed on Conan. HeatVision reports that the actor is now in talks for the role in Amazing Spider-Man 2. Originally, the character was a criminal from the Soviet Block that used a super suit to steal gold and rob banks. It's unknown which version of The Rhino we'll be seeing but the old talk of the Sinister Six is looking like a possibility now.

British actress Felicity Jones best known for Like Crazy is also being linked for an unnamed role. It's possible she could be up for Felicia Hardy/Black Cat or Parker's Daily Bugle co-worker Betty Brant. Black Cat is a sometime crime-fighting partner of Spider-Man's and also happens to be in Peter's circle of high school/college friends. The character had originally been included in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 4. Before the production was shutdown Anne Hathaway had the role. She would eventually take a similar part in The Dark Knight Rises as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. Jones has previously been linked for female leads before with Snow White And Huntsman and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

This casting is becoming overwhelmingly awesome. The rest of the new additions include Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained) as Max Dillion/Electro, Dane Dehaan (Lawless, Chronicle) as Harry Osborn and Shailene Woodly (Descendants) as Mary Jane Watson. Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be swinging into theaters on May 2nd 2014.