Alfred Molina Returning As Doc Ock In Upcoming 'Spider-Man 3'

After rumors and speculation, it appears Alfred Molina is, in fact, returning to the “Spider-Man” universe as THR reports the actor is in the cast for the forthcoming ‘Spider-Man 3.’ And yes, the implications here are pretty, uh, amazing and spectacular.

READ MORE: ‘Spider-Man 3’ Enters The Multiverse? Benedict Cumberbatch To Join The Sony/Marvel Sequel

Not much is known about the plot of the upcoming Tom Holland-led ‘Spider-man’ sequel. However, when it was announced that Benedict Cumberbatch was reprising his MCU role as Doctor Strange in the film and Jamie Foxx was returning to star as Electro (coming from his appearance in the ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ franchise), many fans immediately began to speculate that we were indeed being set up for a multiverse film showcasing the entire history of the Sony-produced ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. Now, with Alfred Molina on board to play Doctor Otto Octavius, aka Doctor Octopus, aka Doc Ock, that’s all but confirmed.

The real question that the casting news brings up isn’t so much about Molina himself, but what his inclusion implies. With rumors of Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire returning to play different versions of Spider-Man in the sequel, having Jamie Foxx (from Garfield’s universe) and Alfred Molina (from Maguire’s universe) joining forces, it would seem to imply that the previous two Spider-men are bound to show up, right? Sony and Marvel, of course, are staying mum on this news.

READ MORE: Jamie Foxx Says Electro Won’t Be Blue In Marvel’s ‘Spider-Man 3’

Speculation aside, having Molina return as Doc Ock is a welcome addition to the world of ‘Spider-man.’ His villainous role in “Spider-Man 2” from director Sam Raimi is probably the high point of the franchise, and he’s definitely one of the best, three-dimensional villains to ever grace a superhero film. So, even if it’s a cameo or perhaps a meatier role, just having him in the feature is good news.

But if you’re someone itching to see the three Spider-men join forces in the upcoming film, this is not just adding fuel to the fire, Molina joining the cast is like adding a nuclear bomb to the flame.