Shailene Woodley in talks to play Mary Jane Watson opposite Andrew Garfield in “The Amazing Spider-Man” sequel

YES! From the beginning, we’ve made no secret of the fact that we would like to see Peter Parker’s One True Love Mary Jane Watson have a role in Marc Webb’s reboot franchise “The Amazing Spider-Man”, and it looks like we will finally get our wish with the recently confirmed sequel. Variety reports “The Descendants” breakout star Shailene Woodley is the studio’s first choice and is in early talks to play the role opposite Andrew Garfield as Peter.

Emma Stone, who played Peter’s first love Gwen Stacey in the first film, is still in negotiations regarding her return, but it’s expected that she will also reprise her role alongside Garfield. As such, it’s not clear if Woodley’s MJ will be a romantic love interest just yet. After all, Gwen and MJ were roommates and friends in the comics, and it’s not until after Gwen’s iconic death that Peter and MJ find comfort and ultimately love with each other. This also certainly bodes well that Gwen’s death, which is so crucial to Spider-Man’s legacy, will indeed be immortalized on screen, as Webb and Stone have hinted towards.

Variety also reports Sony is also seeking an actor to play Harry Osborn, Peter’s best friend, son of Green Goblin Norman Osborn and eventual Spidey villain himself. An unspecified villain is still being ironed out, with Electro being one possibility. Webb will direct the sequel early next year, and a release date of May 2, 2014 has already been set.

Woodley, the longtime star of ABC Family series “The Secret Life of the America Teenager” (which was just announced to be ending its run after this season – perfect timing!), broke out in a big way when she played George Clooney’s rebellious daughter in Alexander Payne’s 2011 Oscar contender “The Descendants.” She recently wrapped up an adaptation of acclaimed novel “The Spectacular Now” opposite Miles Teller, and is also attached to indie drama “White Bird.”