New 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' viral marketing article focuses on B.J. Novak's Alistair Smythe

When some keen observers heard that B.J. Novak had a mystery role in Marc Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man 2, the popular guesses were Dr. Otto Octavius (aka Doctor Octopus/Doc Ock) or Alistair Smythe, the creator of the Spider-Slayers. We now know that Novak plays the latter character, but what we don't know is the scope to which he'll be involved in the series.

Perhaps the latest article on The Daily Bugle Tumblr, which The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has used for months to generate buzz, gives an indication. This one descropes Smythe's background at Oscorp:

"Within a week of the announcement that the NYPD and the District Attorney's Office had opened an investigation into illegal activities and questionable medical practices at Manhattan's Oscorp Industries, sources indicate several of their top scientists have been asked to leave. 

Reports cite the recent forced resignation of Dr. Spencer Smythe, the Director of Robotics, amongst others. He was seen leaving Oscorp Tower yesterday with a box of his personal belongings. 

When asked to comment on the current employment situation of Dr. Smythe, Oscorp spokesman Donald Menken had no comment. Later in the day, Oscorp sent out a press release congratulating Alistair Smythe on his promotion to the Director of Robotics formerly held by his father. How Mrs. Smythe expects this will impact holiday dinners remains unknown."

This could mean a whole lot of nothing and could just be a way to get people talking. But the more intriguing possibility is that Smythe could have a larger role in the film series as it progresses. There's no shortage of Spider-Man mythology from which to draw, so Smythe could easily create Doc Ock, Vulture, or even Venom in this Amazing Spider-Man universe.

What do you think, Spidey fans? How much will Smythe/Novak be involved in the movies? Let us know in the comments below.