Shailene Woodley films Amazing Spider-Man 2
Shailene Woodley has been dropped from 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'.
The actress had been tapped to play the web-slinging superhero's eventual love interest Mary-Jane Watson in the action sequel, but despite filming numerous scenes, the star's role has been cut entirely from the film in order to concentrate on Spider-Man's earlier relationship with Gwen Stacy.
In the original 2012 film, Spider-Man's alter-ego Peter Parker, played by Andrew Garfield, is seen romancing Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy and director Marc Webb wants to explore that relationship further, resulting in the tough decision to not introduce Mary-Jane Watson in his sequel after all.
He said in a statement: "I made a creative decision to streamline the story and focus on Peter and Gwen and their relationship. Shailene is an incredibly talented actress and while we only shot a few scenes with Mary Jane, we all love working with her."
Mary-Jane will now be introduced in the third 'Amazing Spider-Man' flick - which was recently confirmed for release in 2016 - however, Deadline.com ponders whether the role may be recast by the time the movie is filmed due to Woodley's burgeoning film career.
The actress is earning critical acclaim for her role in new independent film 'The Spectacular Now' and is also set to star in her own franchise, young adult book adaptation, 2014's 'Divergent', which has already been confirmed for a sequel.
Woodley was expected to be one of three major new cast members in the 'Spider-Man' sequel along with Dane DeHaan as Parker's friend Harry Osborn and Jamie Foxx as villain Electro.
The film is due in cinemas next summer.
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