Sony Pictures has recently released a teaser trailer for Spider-Man 3 on their site. The movie is set for release in theaters May 4th 2007. Returning to the film are actors Tobey Maguire as Spiderman, James Franco as Harry Osborn and actress Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane.

The trailer centers around Spider-Man being take over by the liquid like black alien Symbiote (Venom). Spidy’s costume is shown slowly being covered by the liquid turning it from red and blue to black. During the preview Peter Parker is shown trying to rip off his costume to rid himself of it. The black costume seems to be altering his mental state.

The Green Goblin makes his return and is shown on his glider. Harry Osborne will follow his fathers footsteps an become the Green Goblin II. He is shown flying on his glider trying to kill Spider-Man. The costume he is wearing is slightly different than the one the original Green Goblin had including a mask made up of goggles, a mouth piece and a black costume.

The preview confirms the addition of two classic Spider-Man characters. Sandman (Flint Marko), played by Thomas Haden Church, finally makes his debut. He is shown in his classic stripped shirt. The Sandman is also shown in sand form taking out a group of people. Gwen Stacy also makes an appearance in the trailer. She is played by Bryce Dallas Howard (Ron Howard’s daughter). It is rumored that she will somehow come between Peter Parker and Mary Jane. In the 1973 comic “The Amazing Spider-Man #121″ she was killed off by the Green Goblin.

Actor Topher Grace, who plays Eric from “That 70’s Show”, will play Eddie Brock who becomes Venom in the comic book. Judging from the casting he will probably portray the “Ultimate” version of the character. It is unknown if he will actually fight as Venom or if the movie will just build up to it for an additional sequel as no official announcement has been made by Sony.

Former Marvel Studios CEO Avi Arad has said that there are four villains Venom, Sandman, Green Goblin II, and a mysterious fourth. It has been speculated that it may be Lizard Man, Mysterio or Manwolf :

-Dr. Curt Connors, who might become Lizard Man, returns once again played by actor Dylan Baker. In Spider-Man 2 he is shown as a caring professor and sets Peter Parker up to meet Dr. Otto Octavius. He was originally set to appear as lizard man in Spider-Man 2 but was removed.

-In a recent interview removed by Sony it’s revealed that Quentin Beck would be portrayed by actor Bruce Campbell. Quenton beck becomes Mysterio in the comic but it is still unknown if he will become a major villain as Mysterio or just have a small cameo as Quentin Beck.

-John Jameson who was engaged to and left standing at the alter by Mary Jane in the last movie could become Manwolf but it doesn’t seem likely as he is an obscure character and isn’t one of the better known Spider-Man characters.

One thing you can be sure of is that the studio will put everything behind this as the movie has been reported have $300 million budget making it the most expensive movie ever. Expect lots of hype before it’s release next May.