The Amazing Spider-Man 2 already has a Harry Osborn in the shape of Chronicle’s Dane DeHaan. But it had been looking for a Norman Osborn, especially since the character was such as hefty – if almost completely unseen – presence in the first film. The filmmakers have now found their man, with Chris Cooper signing on for the role.
Norman, of course, is the man who becomes something of a mentor to Peter, a relationship that takes a sour turn when the industrialist becomes the Green Goblin.
Whether we’ll see Cooper make the transition in this film is unclear, particularly since the Spider-sequel already boasts the villains Electro, played by Jamie Foxx, and Rhino, embodied by Paul Giamatti, and we’re really hoping it doesn’t end up with bad guy overload.
Still, Cooper, last seen being evil and rich in The Muppets, is certainly a great choice for the role, continuing the franchise’s ability to attract solid actors to major roles. He joins a cast that current includes returning stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Sally Field and Martin Sheen, with new faces including DeHaan, Foxx, Giamatti, Shailene Woodley (as Mary Jane Watson), Felicity Jones and Colm Feore.
Marc Webb is busy shooting the movie (when he’s not hitting Twitter to post pics of the production) and it’s set to arrive on April 18 next year.