Which role already explored by Sam Raimi is currently casting for The Amazing Spider-Man 2?

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

I knew this day would come.  I understand why it’s a more or less necessary evolution of the world and to the title character. I just wish Marc Webb and Sony could use their resources and time to explore aspects of Spidey’s world left hitherto unaddressed in his movies.  I suppose we’re sort of getting that with the rumored inclusion of Electro, but still…

Sandman? Again? Really?

Nah, I’m just messing.  No Sandman to be found in casting notices for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2.  But Harry Osborn? Now that’s a name you’ll find.  And yes, for the record, my opening comments still apply here.  On the plus (and much more interesting) side of things, Harry’s role and characterization has started to evolve over the course of the last months – originally it “called for a bigger, athletic actor,” but has since been “reconfigured and now is targeting a more ‘dark and edgy’ actor.” The words “dark and edgy” have been the go-to design motto for this new Spidey franchise, but they apply particularly well to the son of Norman Osborn.  Which leads us to the three actors currently testing for the role, though others may be brought into the mix as the role is still undergoing revision.

There’s Dane DeHaan (CHRONICLE, LAWLESS), Brady Corbet (MELANCHOLIA, THUNDERBIRDS), and Alden Ehrenreich (TETRO, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES).  Production will have to start soon if Webb and Sony want to meet the already-set May 2nd, 2014 start date, so I expect we’ll know the casting before long.  I personally hope that it’s DeHaan, as he’s a solid actor who could cover both necessary Harry Osborn bases – be a believable friend of Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker, and then eventually become a disturbing foe fueled by rage and heartbreak.

Ignoring for a moment Harry’s greater necessity to the storyline being pursued with Peter/Gwen/Mary Jane, how do you feel about the territory of that particular character being retread so soon?