You know you’ve truly arrived when you’re cast as the villain in a big-budget action flick. Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, 43, was confirmed as the webbed crimefighter’s latest nemesis in the next Spider-Man flick.
Although it was rumoured that Philip Seymour Hoffman might play the part, it was finally confirmed that Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill, Good Morning England) was chosen to play the villain in the next film in the franchise Spider-Man. Ifans first came to the spotlight playing the slovenly roommate, Spike, in Notting Hill, where he supposedly prepared for the role by not washing or brushing his teeth.
"We have been very fortunate to attract some of the best actors working today to play the villains in the Spider-Man movies, and it is exciting to see that trend continue with Rhys Ifans. After seeing his performance in our upcoming film ‘Anonymous,’ we’re in awe of his talent and think he’s the perfect choice to take on this role,” said Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures.
The filmmakers prefer to not reveal which character Ifans will be playing in the forthcoming film.
It was announced last week that Emma Stone (Superbad, Zombieland) had signed on to play Gwen Stacy, along with Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) who will play Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man. The film retraces the early years of the character as he deals with teenage angst and the emergence of his superpowers.
Marc Webb will be directing the 3-D film due in theatres July 3, 2012 in 3D. Production will begin in December.
As for Rhys Ifans, his latest role is Xenophilius Lovegood, father of Luna Lovegood and editor of the Quibbler, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 on November 19.