Paul Giamatti in Talks to Play SPIDER-MAN 2's RHINO

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In case you thought the comic book movie casting process had become too predictable, this might change your mind: Paul Giamatti is in talks to play Rhino in the 2014 Amazing Spider-Man sequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A bulky, powerful, dim-witted villain and Russian immigrant, Giamatti would seemingly be playing against both personality and body type for the role — likely suggesting a fairly thorough revisiting of the character, similar to what Jamie Foxx has stated is in store for his role of Electro. Giamatti, who played comic book writer Harvey Pekar in 2003's American Splendor film, has expressed his admiration for the character in the past. He was quoted in Showbiz Spy in 2011 as saying, "If they ever go with The Rhino I would be ready and waiting."

 

THR further reports that Felicity Jones, an English actress who earned acclaim for her part in 2011's Like Crazy, is also negotiating for a role. The part is currently unspecified, but there are many female characters in Spider-Man's world beyond the already-cast Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) and Mary Jane (Shailene Woodley, reportedly) that could be possibilities — Felicia Hardy/Black Cat, maybe?

One of Spider-Man's longest-tenured villains, Rhino first appeared in 1966's Amazing Spider-Man #41, and was created by Stan Lee and John Romita. The Amazing Spider-Man sequel, with director Marc Webb and stars Andrew Garfield (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) and Emma Stone all returning, is scheduled for release on May 2, 2014.

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