With filming due to begin on the upcoming superhero sequel The Amazing Spider-Man 2, the film’s talented cast has added yet another versatile name to the ensemble in what is already shaping up to be a far more anticipated turnout than its predecessor.

Variety have confirmed that Oscar-winning actor Chris Cooper (Adaptation, Seabiscuit, The Muppets) has signed up to play the role of Norman Osborn, the head of Oscorp in the follow-up.

Those who read the comics (or watched Sam Raimi’s original trilogy when Willem Dafoe played him) will know that Osborn goes on to become Spiderman’s nemesis Green Goblin. However it is unknown whether the transformation from mentor-to-villain will be shown in this particular film.

Jamie Foxx (Electro), Paul Giamatti (Rhino), Shailene Woodley (Mary-Jane Watson) and Dane DeHaan (Harry Osborn) have all recently joined the cast for the new installment with Andrew Garfield (Peter Parker/Spiderman), Emma Stone (Gwen Stacey) and Sally Field (Aunt May) also back in action.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be released in cinemas on April 18th, 2014.