14 DAY TRIAL // Work on the “Spider-Man” reboot is progressing just wonderfully, with the second leading member of the cast announced officially: Emma Stone will play Gwen Stacy.
Speculation about Stone’s involvement in the new film has been around for quite a few days now, but what is quite surprising this time is that she’s not been cast for the role she was rumored.
As OMG Yahoo! can confirm, instead of nabbing the role of Mary Jane, who will still be included in the new “Spider-Man” film but will not have the same relevance as in the other 3, Stone got Gwen.
Gwen Stacy, as fans of the original comic books must know, was Spidey’s love interest before Mary Jane came in the picture, so this means Emma just landed herself a leading part.
“Emma Stone has been cast opposite Andrew Garfield in the reboot of Spider-Man – but not as Mary Jane, whom the Easy A star could easily portray with that head of red hair,” OMG Yahoo! says.
“Columbia Pictures announced Tuesday that the 21-year-old actress will play Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s first love interest in the comic books,” the e-zine further notes.
The announcement comes straight from Columbia Pictures Preside Matt Tolmach, who says Stone’s onscreen “spark” was what strongly recommended her for the leading part.
“It’s been an incredible journey for us to watch Emma’s star rise as an actress,” Tolmach says of the actress, whose recent credits include the aforementioned “Easy A” and “Zombieland.”
“She is extraordinarily talented and has a very special on-screen spark that is perfect for this role. Given her history with the studio, casting her in one of our most important franchises is a real thrill,” the movie studio boss adds.
Now that the two leading parts have been cast (Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker / Spider-Man and Emma Stone as Gwen), Columbia needs to decide on a villain and an actor to play him and, of course, on who should take over for Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane.
Last time we heard of negotiations for the former role, word had it Philip Seymour Hoffman was in talks to do Venom, who will apparently be the main baddie in the reboot.