The filmmakers are busy building a web of actors for the upcoming Spider-Man sequel.
On Monday, at least four young men were testing for the role of Harry Osborn in Sony’s sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man, which reunites director Marc Webb with stars Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, adding Shailene Woodley as Mary Jane.
Osborn is an integral part of the Spidey mythology – the son of tycoon Norman Osborn, he's one of Peter Parker’s few friends but evolves into one of Spider-Man’s nemeses. (He takes on the mantle of the Green Goblin after his father, the original Goblin, is killed by … well, no sense spoiling the story.)
PHOTOS: Fall Movie Preview 2012: Major New Releases From Spielberg, Jackson, Tarantino
According to insiders, those testing are Sam Claflin, a British actor who appeared in high-profile tentpoles Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White & the Huntsman; Eddie Redmayne, another Brit who appeared in My Week With Marilyn and will be seen as Marius in Les Miserables; Douglas Booth, who appeared in LOL and is currently shooting Noah for Darren Aronofsky; and Boyd Holbrook, an American actor whose credits include The Big C, Hatfields & McCoys and the upcoming adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's The Host.
James Franco played the Osborn role in the Sam Raimi-directed Spider-Man films of the 2000s. Franco took a more brooding and dark path for the character, and an original plan was to continue that tradition in the new films, with actors Dane DeHaan, Alden Ehrenreich and Brady Corbet initially under consideration.
STORY: Jamie Foxx Circling Villain Role in 'Amazing Spider-Man' Sequel
But sources say the producers and filmmakers now are seeking actors with characteristics that include athleticism and good looks.
The testings come as several films, including Michael Bay's Transformers 4, are in the midst of casting young actors.
Sony declined comment.
Email: Borys.Kit@thr.com
Twitter: @Borys_Kit