Whether Hilary Duff was ever truthfully in the running to play the female lead in Marc Webb’s Spider-Man reboot is now a moot point.
Today Columbia Pictures and Sony formally announced Emma Stone (Easy A, Zombieland) has landed the role of Gwen Stacy after reports began circulating three days ago that she had been cast as Mary Jane. Emma will play opposite Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) who was previously cast as Peter Parker / Spider-Man.
Webb is already gushing about his two young leads who will carry the weight of a planned new trilogy on their shoulders. “The chemistry between Andrew and Emma was stunning and made Emma the clear choice,” he said in the announcement. “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.”
Adding a slight touch of humor to the announcement, Webb continued, “Much to my surprise, it was fun to find out that our choice for Gwen (Emma) is also a natural blonde.”
Although production on Spider-Man is set to begin in December, there has been no mention from the studio on who the main villain is or who will be cast in the role. That announcement is expected to be made within the next several weeks.
Spider-Man swings back into theaters on July 3, 2012 in 2D and 3D.
