Alfred Molina confirms his return as Doc Ock in Spider-Man: No Way Home

And speaking about returning to the character after such a long gap, Molina told Variety that it was a "wonderful" experience.

“It was very interesting going back after 17 years to play the same role, given that in the intervening years, I now have two chins, a wattle, crow’s feet and a slightly a slightly dodgy lower back," he said.

It was reported last December that Molina would be appearing in the film, but until now it hadn't been clear that he would definitely be reprising the same role he played in the earlier Spider-Man movie.

But Molina said that the news was already "all over the internet" despite the fact he'd been asked to keep his role in the film secret. "I actually described myself as the worst kept secret in Hollywood," he added.

His confirmation will now further fuel rumours that the film is set to incorporate a Spider-Verse storyline, with Jamie Foxx's return as Electro (who he played in The Amazing Spider-Man 2) already doing a lot to suggest that a crossover could be on the cards.

Rumours also persist that former Spideys Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield could be in line for an appearance in the film, although this has been denied by Tom Holland.

What we do know is that Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) will play a major part in the plot, with Marvel boss Kevin Feige having revealed that the film will have connections to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The cast for the film also includes Zendaya, Jacob Batalon and Marisa Tomei – each of whom will be reprising their roles from Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is scheduled for release in cinemas in December 2021. Find something to watch tonight with our TV Guide. For more film news, have a look at our Movies hub.