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Alfred Molina ("Frida," "Identity") will join Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco in Columbia Pictures' highly anticipated sequel to "Spider-Man," it was announced today by Amy Pascal, Chairman of Columbia Pictures.

Molina will portray Spider-Man's new archenemy "Doc Ock" in the second installment to Columbia Pictures' 2002 worldwide phenomenon "Spider-Man," which grossed more than $820 million worldwide and became the fifth highest grossing movie in U.S. history. "Spider-Man" is based on the classic Marvel Comic book series.

The sequel will reunite the cast and filmmakers from the original blockbuster, including Maguire, Dunst, and Franco along with director Sam Raimi, and producers Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad. Columbia Pictures co-president of production Matt Tolmach is overseeing development of the project for the studio.

Raimi will begin principal photography in April and the new film will be released in 2004.

"Alfred Molina has a remarkable facility for everything from classic drama to mainstream comedy and he is the ideal choice for 'Doc Ock,'" said Pascal. "We wanted an actor that would bring irresistible depth and dimension to this role and we are all tremendously excited to be working with Alfred. "

Molina recently earned a SAG nomination for his portrayal of Mexican artist Diego Rivera in Julie Taymor's film "Frida." Featured in Columbia Pictures' upcoming psychological thriller "Identity," Molina has appeared in more than 50 film and television productions, as well as enjoying an extensive theatrical career. Born in London, he studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His stage work includes two major Royal National Theatre productions "Speed The Plow" and "Night of the Iguana." He made his Broadway debut in 1998 in the Tony Award-winning play "Art" opposite Victor Garber and Alan Alda. In addition to a Best Actor Tony nomination, Molina received a Drama Desk Award for his performance. Other theatrical performances of note include a starring role in the off-Broadway production of "Molly Sweeney," for which Molina garnered a Theatre World Award and a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Debut Performance.

Molina made his movie debut with "Raiders of The Lost Ark" and had a notable role as a Soviet sailor in "Letter To Brezhnev." His breakthrough movie role came in 1987 when he played the role of Kenneth Halliwell, the tragic lover of Joe Orton in Stephen Frears' "Prick Up Your Ears." In 1998, Molina won accolades for his powerful performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's film "Boogie Nights," which won the SAG Award for outstanding performance by a cast in a theatrical motion picture. He also appeared in Anderson's "Magnolia." He will next be seen in the film drama, "Luther."

SOURCE: Columbia Pictures