British actor Alfred Molina is said to be delighted after signing up to play the villain in the new Spider-Man movie.
The renowned performer is enjoying a run of success at the moment, with his portrayal of Diego Rivera in the film Frida earning him a Bafta nomination. The biographical movie of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo saw him starring alongside Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas and Edward Norton.
He will be squaring up to Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst in The Amazing Spider-Man, however, when filming begins in April. "To go from an Academy Award-level movie like Frida to one of the greatest franchises of all time, he is completely thrilled," said Alfred's manager Joan Hyler.
He will play atomic scientist Dr Otto Octavius – AKA Dr Ock - who has four giant artificial arms which enable him to manipulate radioactive substances. He is transformed into a supervillain by a lab accident in which he is bombarded with radiation.
"Alfred Molina has a remarkable facility for everything from classic drama to mainstream comedy and he is the ideal choice for Doctor Ock," said Colombia Pictures chairman Amy Pascal. "We wanted an actor who would bring irresistible depth and dimension to this role and we are all tremendously excited to be working with Alfred," she added.
The first Spider-Man movie took more than half a billion pounds at the box office, breaking records around the world.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
