With production on the new "Spider-Man" movie set to begin in just two months, Sony Pictures is furiously filling out its cast. Last week, we learned that Emma Stone will play Peter Parker's other love interest, Gwen Stacy — not Mary Jane, as was originally rumored — and on Monday (October 11) we learned of another new face added to the potential franchise.

According to Deadline, Rhys Ifans will play a villain in the Marc Webb-directed film. Although much like the Stone-as-MJ rumors that circulated in recent weeks, Sony has only sent out the offer to Ifans; there is no word on whether the casting is a done deal. Also, studio insiders who tipped off Deadline wouldn't reveal which villain they want Ifans to play.

Ifans is definitely an interesting choice for "Spider-Man," particularly since we have yet to learn exactly which villains will be in the new film and because Ifans is well-known for playing roles that provide comic relief, not mischief and mayhem (a comic book villain's standard MO). The lanky Welsh actor broke into Hollywood as Hugh Grant's lovable, bumbling roommate in "Notting Hill" and has appeared in dozens of films since. His recent projects include "Nanny McPhee Returns" and the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1."

Ifans joins Stone and Andrew Garfield in the highly publicized reboot. "Spider-Man" will reportedly begin production in December and will be released in theaters nationwide in 3-D on July 3, 2012.

What do you think of the casting news? What villain do you think Ifans will play? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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