A few days ago it was rumoured that Emma Stone had been cast in the Spider-man reboot, and now Sony has confirmed that news, but says she’ll be taking the role of Gwen Stacy, rather than the previously rumoured Mary Jane Watson.
In many ways that makes more sense, as Stacy is a more feisty character than the rather wet blanket Mary Jane, and therefore better suited to the chipper and excitable Stone. In the press release Sony issued (via /Film), director Marc Webb says, The chemistry between Andrew [Garfield] and Emma was stunning and made Emma the clear choice. At the heart of the story of Peter Parker is not only the amazing Spider-Man, but also an ordinary teenager who is wondering what he has to do to get the girl. Andrew and Emma will bring everything audiences expect to these roles, but also make them their own. Much to my surprise, it was fun to find out that our choice for Gwen (Emma) is also a natural blonde.
The press release confirms earlier rumours that Stacy is the female lead in Spider-man, and with no mention of Mary Jane, it suggests Spider-man’s usual squeeze may not even be a major player in the film (although if Peter Parker is back in high school, she’s got to be around somewhere, surely?). The new Spider-man movie will be in cinemas July 2012.