Thomas Haden Church, who was nominated for an Academy
Award for best supporting actor in "Sideways," has been cast as
Spidey's new archenemy in the next chapter of the "Spider-Man"
franchise. Director Sam Raimi made the annoncement Monday along
with producers Laura Ziskin and Marvel Studios' Avi Arad.
"Spider-Man 3," which is scheduled for release May 4, 2007, will reunite
the team that was responsible for the first two blockbuster films,
which combined to gross more than $1.5 billion in worldwide ticket sales.
The new film will again star Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man,
and Kirsten Dunst is expected to reprise her role as Mary
Jane Watson. Production on "Spider-Man 3" is scheduled to
begin early next year. - Hollywood Reporter