Rhys Ifans is to play a villain, although it is unclear which one, in the next Spider-Man movie, The Hollywood Reporter said Monday.

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The Welsh-born actor is best known for his work in the films "Notting Hill," "The Replacements" and "Pirate Radio."

The entertainment industry trade newspaper said Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios confirmed Ifans is to play Spidey's nemesis in the re-boot of the franchise, which is to hit theaters in 2012 with British actor Andrew Garfield in the lead role.

However, the studios did not say exactly which character Ifans would be playing, the report said.

"We have been very fortunate to attract some of the best actors working today to play the villains in the Spider-Man movies, and it is exciting to see that trend continue with Rhys Ifans," Columbia President Matt Tolmach said.