Ben and May Parker are two of the most important characters in the Spider-Man comics and movies as they embody the heart and soul of what makes Peter Parker the man and superhero he is. Earlier this evening we reported that Martin Sheen is in final negotiations to play Uncle Ben in the 3D reboot of Spider-Man and we wondered who could play opposite the veteran actor as Aunt May.

According to another THR exclusive, we now have breaking news that Sony is in early talks with Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters) to play Aunt May opposite Sheen and Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield.

While I foresee Sheen's take on Uncle Ben resembling that of Cliff Robertson from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, Sally Field evokes different feelings and I can picture her offering something unique compared to what we already saw from Rosemary Harris' Aunt May in the trilogy. Should she sign for the role, this will be Field's first major film role in years.

Both Sheen and Field bring veteran star power and celebrity profile to the growing Spider-Man cast which includes Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ivans. With shooting scheduled to begin next month, we can expect many more casting announcements soon. I think we can agree that fans are most curious about who will be playing J. Jonah Jameson.

In Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films, J.K. Simmons became an obvious fan favorite as the loud and fast-talking J.J., seemingly born for the role that pushed his career to a new level. While the studio will attempt to distance the 3D Spidey reboot from the previous franchise installments, many wouldn't be opposed to bringing him back.

There's also the other students at Parker's school who need to be cast, including future love interest Mary Jane and Flash Thomson.

What do you think of the cast so far?

Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @rob_keyes and @screenrant.

Spider-Man is directed by Marc Webb and written by James Vanderbilt. Filming starts in December and the film will be released in 3D on July 3, 2012.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter