Chris Cooper to play 'Green Goblin' in Spider-Man sequel

Chris Cooper has been confirmed to play Norman Osborn in the forthcoming sequel to 'The Amazing Spider-Man'.

Osborn is a business magnate, the president of Oscorp, and the man who becomes the Green Goblin in the comic books, as featured in Sam Raimi's first trilogy where he was played by Willem Dafoe.

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However, it's not known whether Cooper will 'green up' in the film, or whether the character is being set up for an appearance in an as-yet-unconfirmed third film.

The film already appears to have its villains sorted out, with Jamie Foxx playing Electro, and rumours that Paul Giamatti's character will be the Rhino - in the comics, a former Eastern Bloc thug with a special polymer bonded to his skin which augments his strength and speed.

Meanwhile, Osborn's son Harry – who ultimately takes on the mantle of his father's evil alter ego – is to be played by Dane DeHaan.

Cooper joins a number of other new appointments to the cast, including Shailene Woodley – who was snapped appearing for the first time on set this week – as Mary Jane Watson, played of couorse by Kirsten Dunst in the Raimi films.

It's due out on 2 May 2014.