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Looks like Sony Pictures Entertainment will be (very shortly) offering the part of Mary Jane Watson to the lovely Emma Stone. We may possibly hear Stone utter those famous words from the comic book character’s first appearance, “Face it tiger, you just hit the jackpot!” Both of her fan-praised films EASY A and ZOMBIELAND came from the Sony banner, so this is in a way pretty fitting. I’ve really been enjoying Emma’s work, and must admit I fell in love with her after SUPERBAD, wondering how long it would take before she became a big name in Hollywood. This could be the role that solidifies that. Deadline is reporting the offer is expected to be made imminently, so expect an official press release to follow.
Now there’s still the matter of Gwen Stacy to be cast. It’s said the studio is looking at GLEE star Dianna Agron, ALICE IN WONDERLAND‘s Mia Wasikowska, Georgina Haig (?) and MOON star Dominique McElligott. It’s said the role of Gwen Stacy (previously played by Bryce Dallas Howard in SPIDER-MAN 3) will be important in director Marc Webb’s 3D reboot, as she is the first love interest for Peter Parker (played by THE SOCIAL NETWORK‘s Andrew Garfield) in his high school years (which the film is supposed to focus on). But where does that leave Mary Jane in this new version? Will she be introduced at the end? Is this more of a longterm contract deal?
On another related note, it appears the studio is in fact pursuing Philip Seymour Hoffman to play Venom… what?!? As you may recall, Topher Grace portrayed Eddie Brock/Venom in SPIDER-MAN 3, and it didn’t go over very well. There were rumors the studio forced director Sam Raimi to include the character into an already complicated storyline, and the entire film seemed to suffer because of it. But as movies like THE INCREDIBLE HULK have proven, studios aren’t above the idea of trying something over and over until they get it right. Still… Hoffman? I love the guy, but is he right for Eddie Brock? Besides, would he even do this? Let us know your thoughts on it all in the comments below.