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Giamatti and Jones Added to Amazing Spider-Man 2

The sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man is back in the news with Paul Giamatti and Felicity Jones announced as the two latest addition to the already electrifying cast. Giamatti is set to play well-known Spidey villain The Rhino, while it is unclear what role Jones will be taking.
No news has yet surfaced on how the Rhino will fit in to the story, with the main villain already confirmed to be Jamie Foxx’s Electro. Rhino and Electro do have history in the comic book series so it’s no surprise to see them potentially team up for double villainous duties in director Marc Webb’s sequel. What is somewhat of a surprise, however, is the inclusion of Giamatti. Rhino aka Aleksei Mikhailovich Sytsevich, is a Soviet thug with superhuman strength, speed, stamina and durability due to a Rhino like suit fitted by Russian scientists, however he’s not known for his brains. So the mild mannered actor doesn’t instantly spring to mind when we think of tough, hard-nosed villains. Giamatti’s inclusion, however, could be a coup and a vital addition to the cast as it takes the character to a more thoughtful, menacing type of villain rather than just a dumb brute.

Jones has been added to the cast in an as-yet unnamed role, which opens up a whole list of possibilities. Could we be seeing the Black Cat in action on the big screen? Could the Daily Bugle feature in the new movie if Jones is cast as Betty Brant? Or will Jones be a new character altogether?

It should be noted that Giamatti has worked with a previous Spider-Man alumni Thomas Haden Church (Sandman in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3)  in the indie hit Sideways.  Bringing on such talent as Giamatti, Webb is certainly making a stance with his commitment to the film, however it is an interesting choice using Giamatti for the role of The Rhino. It would take a lot of skill to for somebody to bring a convincing performance to the role but if anybody can do it, Giamatti is a safe bet.
Also confirmed in the cast are returning stars Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy alongside newcomers Dane Dehaan as Harry Osborn and Shailene Woodley as Mary-Jane Watson.Additional Sources: IGN, Hollywood Reporter

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Guy Amos