Who will be the next Harry Osborne? L to R: Sam Claflin, Boyd Holbrook, Douglas Booth and Eddie Redmayne

With Shailene Woodley already signed on to portray Mary Jane, and negotiations still in the works to get Jamie Foxx on board to play Electro, the producers are now setting their sights on finding their Harry Osborn and they have four actors in mind.

Those familiar with the Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy are aware that James Franco (‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes,’ ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’) made a name for himself playing the mopey and dark Osborn who was quite the opposite to Toby Maguire’s hopeful yet self-deprecating web slinger. While Harry started off as one of Peter’s friends, he slowly evolved into one of Spidey’s nemeses taking on the mantel of the Green Goblin after his father (the original Green Goblin) was killed.

While last week reports suggested that director Marc Webb was looking for an actor who could portray Osborn in the similar vein as Franco’s version (i.e. darker and edgier), it seems that the producers and filmmakers have since changed their minds and are now seeking actors with characteristics that include athleticism and good looks.

According to insiders, those testing for the role as Peter Parker’s best friend are Sam Claflin (‘Snow White and the Huntsman,’ ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’), Eddie Redmayne (‘My Week with Marilyn,’ ‘Les Misérables’), Douglas Booth (‘The Pillars of the Earth,’ ‘Noah’) and Boyd Holbrook (‘The Host,’ ‘Hatfields and McCoys’).

It’s hard to say who would be perfect for the role. Claflin reminds me a bit of Franco and if does he does manage to snag the gig, that would put him in two high profile tentpole films as he is already playing the role of Finnick Odair  in ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.’ Redmayne, however, looks like he comes from old money and high society and would look good playing opposite Andrew Garfield’s Parker, but Holbrook and Booth both look like can have a dark side to them. Of course, this is all based on their looks and a lot would also depend on their acting ability.

A decision should be made soon as filming for ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ is slated to begin in February with a release date of May 2, 2014.

So who do you think would be best to play Harry Osborn? Are you happy with these four choices or were you hoping the role of Osborne would go to one of the original trio of choices: Brady Corbe, Dane DeHaan, and Alden Ehrenreich? Let us in the comments below!

 

Source: THR