Spider-Man to be father in latest sequel?

Rex Features

Peter Parker will be the father of a young boy in the latest Spider-Man sequel, reports claim.

A casting notice uncovered by SpoilerTV has asked for a toddler to play a 2-year-old boy with "red hair" and an "engaging personality" in director Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 4.

The casting call, which emphasises the need for a red-haired child, has prompted speculation that the character will be the son of Peter Parker and his girlfriend Mary Jane Watson.

Spider-Man 4, starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, will begin production next year for a May 2011 release.