'Spider-Man' Sequel Eyes Shailene Woodley As Mary Jane

Shailene Woodley's days on "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" are numbered, but that doesn't mean the Oscar-nominated actress isn't about to hit the jackpot with a different high-profile role.

Variety reports that Woodley, who starred alongside George Clooney in last year's "The Descendants," is in early talks to join "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" as Mary Jane Watson, the fiery-haired heroine featured prominently in the Sam Raimi "Spider-Man" movies. In those films, MJ was played by Kirsten Dunst. Here, she'll have significant competition when it comes to wooing Peter Parker, as Emma Stone is widely expected to return to the part of Gwen Stacy, Parker's girlfriend in the first "Amazing" film.

In addition to early word on Woodley's potential casting, Variety reports that two other popular characters are about to make their "Amazing" debuts. Up first is Harry Osborn, Peter's best friend and eventual nemesis in the comic books. Harry's father, science legend Norman, was mentioned repeatedly throughout Marc Webb's first "Spider-Man" movie, and it's widely believed that he'll play a pivotal role in the future of the franchise. News of Harry's possible enlistment only further fuels that speculation.

But Norman will have to compete with another potential villain on the scene, as Variety suggests that the sequel's bad guy will be Electro, a criminal with the ability to control electricity after a freak lightning accident. Many fans identified the "Amazing Spider-Man" mystery villain as Electro, though Webb and the rest of the Spidey team would not confirm that shadowy figure's identity. As it stands, even Variety notes that the Sony team still has plenty of time to settle on a villain, as production won't start until early next year.

"The Amazing Spider-Man" swings into theaters on May 2, 2014.

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