30 Jan – Word is out that actor Paul Giamatti is interested in playing Aleksei Mikhailovich Sytsevich, a.k.a. the Rhino in "The Amazing Spider-Man 2", and is in talks for the role. Writer Mike Conroy describes the Rhino as "famously one of Spider-Man's dimmest villains". For Giamatti, playing the role of the Rhino will be the role of his dreams, as he spoke about the character way back in 2011, "The Rhino wasn't that big of a deal for anybody but me... If they ever go with The Rhino I would be ready and waiting." The critically acclaimed and Oscar nominated actor is known for his roles in "Cinderella Man", "The Illusionist", and "The Ides Of March". He will also be seen in a long list of films this year including "12 Years A Slave", directed by Steve McQueen, and another adaptation of the Shakespeare classic, "Romeo And Juliet".
Marc Webb, who had directed the first instalment of the Spider-Man reboot, will continue to direct the sequel with stars Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone returning as Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy. As for the new faces of the franchise, the role of Harry Osborn will be played by Dane DeHaan, Mary Jane Watson will be played by "The Descendants" actress Shailene Woodley, and "Django Unchained" actor Jamie Foxx will join as super villain Electro. Felicity Jones, from films like "Cemetery Junction" and "Like Crazy", is also in negotiations for a role, which is currently unspecified. The film will hit theatres in Malaysia in 2014.