Paul Giamatti, who played Harvey Pekar in the American Splendor movie, is in talks to join the parade of first rate thespians to take key roles in superhero movies.  Giamatti is in the midst of negotiations to play the Spider-Man villain Rhino in the sequel to Marc Webb’s Amazing Spider-Man.

According to The Hollywood Reporter Giamatti and Felicity Jones are both likely to join a cast that already includes Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, who will turn as Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker along with Jamie Foxx as Electro, and Shailene Woodley as Mary Jane Watson.

Giamatti has long expressed an interest in playing the Rhino character.  Back in 2011 he told Showbiz Spy, "I thought the Rhino was the greatest thing when I was a kid... if they ever go with the Rhino I would be ready and waiting."