*UPDATED BELOW*

A new name has joined the cast of the new Spider-Man reboot being developed by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Columbia Pictures, and that name is Martin Sheen.

It’s being reported that Sheen is now in final negotiations to sign on for the pivotal role of Uncle Ben, who along with Aunt May, raised Peter Parker. As we’ve seen many times over, it’s the murder of Uncle Ben at the hands of a criminal that sets Parker off toward becoming the superhero, Spider-Man.

Sheen joins an already impressive cast that includes Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Emma Stone as Spider-Man’s love interest, Gwen Stacy, and Rhys Ifans as one of the film’s villains, The Lizard.

The new reboot came after things collapsed with Sam Raimi and the development of Spider-Man 4. This new film is directed by Marc Webb, who previously helmed (500) Days of Summer, from a script written by James Vanderbilt, who has also penned The Rundown, Zodiac, and The Losers.

The hopes is that production can begin on the new Spider-Man some time in December, with a release planned for July 3, 2012.

UPDATE: Just after this news hit the web, Heat Vision also reported word that Sally Field was now in early negotiations to play the role of Aunt May. It should still take a little time before this might be confirmed; stay tuned for more!

[Source: Heat Vision]