Paul Giamatti - Paul Giamatti to play The Amazing Spider-Man 2 villain?

Paul Giamatti to play The Amazing Spider-Man 2 villain?

Paul Giamatti is negotiating a role in 'The Amazing Spider-Man' sequel.

The 45-year-old actor looks set to play The Rhino, a villainous thug from a Soviet country whose rhinoceros costume makes him unbeatable by giving him superstrength and superspeed.

The character - who also possesses a deadly horn - first appeared in the original comic books in 1966, but became an ally of Spider-Man in more recent tomes.

The Hollywood Reporter claims 'Chalet Girl' actress Felicity Jones is also in talks to play an unspecified part in Mark Webb's franchise reboot, which will see Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone reprise the leading roles.

'Cinderella Man' star Paul previously stated he was waiting in the wings for Sam Raimi to bring the Rhino into his original trilogy - which starred Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco - and would jump at the chance to play his all-time comic book favourite.

He enthused: ''I thought Rhino was the greatest thing when I was a little kid. It was a guy who was basically in this rhinoceros outfit and I always thought, 'Why don't they have the Rhino in one of their movies', but maybe the Rhino wasn't that big of a deal for anybody but me. If they ever go with the Rhino I would be ready and waiting.''

Paul and Felicity are likely to be the last stars to join the impressive cast after it was announced Jamie Foxx will play villain Electro, Shailene Woodley will star as love interest Mary Jane Watson, and Dane DeHaan has been chosen as Peter Parker's best friend, Harry Osborn.