Amazing Spider-Man 2 gets new Harry Osborn

Los Angeles - Dane DeHaan has been confirmed to play Harry Osborn in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

The up-and-coming actor - who made his name in Chronicle and has small parts in Lawless and Lincoln - joins Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone in the superhero franchise as hero Peter Parker's tormented best friend, who later goes on to become his enemy.

Director Marc Webb announced: "Dane is an exciting and extraordinary young actor and he is a fantastic addition to our cast."

He then confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: "Meet Harry Osborn. So excited to have him on board."

Iinundated with positive comments

Dane then posted: "To say I'm excited is an understatement. #HarryOsborn #ASM2", before being inundated with positive comments from fans of the Marvel comic book franchise.

He added: "All this love is makin' me feel all tingly inside. Thanks ya'll.#HarryOsborn #ASM2 (sic)"

The 26-year-old star was first tipped for the role last month alongside Supernatural star Alden Ehrenreich and Melancholia's Brady Corbet, but reports emerged Sony Pictures might be looking for a more athletic, all-American take on the character.

Harry is the son of the Green Goblin alter-ego Norman Osborn and becomes Peter's arch nemesis when his father dies. Producers are said to have gone with a more "dark and edgy" approach to match James Franco's chilling performance as Harry in Sam Raimi's earlier trilogy.

Jamie Foxx and Shailene Woodley have also been confirmed as Electro and Mary-Jane Watson respectively.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be released in the UK on 18 April 2014.