Alfred Molina Is Spider-Man's Next Movie Nemesis

Posted Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 8:47 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Veteran actor Alfred Molina was announced today by Columbia Pictures for the role of Doctor Octopus in 2004's Spider-Man sequel.

Molina, whose recent credits include Frida and Chocolat, will appear as the villainous Otto Octavius. From his comic book origin, scientist Octavius developed a body harness with four titanium tentacles which he used to perform experiments from a safe distance. After a radioactive explosion, the tentacles were permanently bonded to his body and caused the man to go mad, resulting in his new identity as Doctor Octopus.

Columbia Pictures is currently referring to the character by his awful nickname 'Doc Ock'. Hopefully this won't be the official identity director Sam Raimi gives him in the film.

Of course, Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst are set to reprise their roles as is James Franco who is destined to serve as additional opposition for Spidey.

Spider-Man 2 is set to begin principal photography in April and is scheduled for a May 7, 2004 theatrical release.