Comic-Con News--Rhys Ifans, the 44-year-old Welsh actor who is playing Doctor Curt Connors aka The Lizard, in Sony’s The Amazing Spider-Man movie, was involved in an incident with a female security guard just prior to The Amazing Spider-Man movie panel on Friday.  Ifans reportedly pushed the female security guard after he had stepped outside to smoke and either he or one of his entourage was blocked from re-entering the building prior to the panel.  After the panel session was over, the guard made a citizen’s arrest. 

Sony released a statement describing the incident this way: “Rhys Ifans was detained by Comic-Con security after a brief incident prior to and immediately following the Amazing Spider-Man panel.  Police were notified and a citation was issued to Mr. Ifans, who deeply regrets the incident.”

Friday was Ifans’ 44th birthday.  Several reports indicate that the actor “smelled of alcohol,” and taking a nip or two on your 44th birthday is certainly not uncommon.  Reuters quotes a San Diego police spokesperson describing Ifans as “aggressive and belligerent,” and indicating that the actor was “berating everyone from the security staff to the United States of America.”  The San Diego City Attorney will have to decide whether or not to pursue charges.  Ifans may have to pay a fine, and possibly appear before a judge.