EXCLUSIVE

Rhys Ifans will play Dr. Curt Connors, better known as The Lizard, in Marc Webb's "Spider-Man," TheWrap has learned.

There had been rumors across the blogosphere that Sony was thinking of bringing back Venom for the franchise reboot, but that character will not be featured in the movie, two individuals familiar with the project have told TheWrap.

Andrew Garfield stars as Peter Parker, while Emma Stone will play Gwen Stacy, who rivals Mary Jane Watson for Spidey's affection.

Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin are producing the movie, which begins production in December.

Dylan Baker played Connors in Sam Raimi's two "Spider-Man" sequels.

"Spider-Man" will hit theaters in 3D on July 3, 2012.