It didn't come as much of a surprise when Sony revealed that there would be two more sequels following 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' in 2016 and 2018. What did come as a surprise was the announced spinoffs, which would delve even further into the Spider-Man universe. The most interesting of them is also the strangest: 'The Sinister Six,' a movie starring a roster of Spidey's deadliest enemies.

And according to new statements from Sony, the seeds for this film have been planted in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2.'

Via EW, Sony Pictures Co-Chairman Amy Pascal stated:

At the tail end of this movie we set up some of the other characters that will probably end up being in the Sinister Six. We’re going forward on all fronts.

[SPOILERS] As we previously reported, sources told us that the post-credits scene for 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2,' as glimpsed in the trailers, reveal Doc Ock's tentacles, Vulture's wings and the Venom symbiote suit, which falls in line with this update. [END SPOILERS]

"Villains can be very entertaining," 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' producer Avi Arad also told EW. "Something happens and it changes their lives." Elsewhere, he explained the Sinister Six a little more in detail:

This movie ['The Amazing Spider-Man 2'] seals the fate of Oscorp as the tower of evil, as science at its worst. The Sinister Six are the creation of this sinister organization. These villains are there to attack humanity. There is only one hero out there that can stop them, and it's Spider-Man. One can only imagine what they will do to stop him so they can have free reign over the city. They are united over their deep hatred for Spider-Man.

We know that the Green Goblin, Electro and Rhino (the latter of which confirmed he'll return for 'The Amazing Spider-Man 3') all play a role in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2,' in addition to the three previously mentioned, so that accounts for the six potential baddies right there. In the comics, the Sinister Six roster is continuously changing, so Sony's film could throw a curveball and toss in a few unexpected new faces. We know B.J. Novak's character, for one, is playing another villain we weren't expecting.

The thought of seeing this evil superteam appear on the big screen is definitely exciting, but how exactly do you build a film around a team of murderers and thieves? Thankfully, Sony has hired Drew Goddard of 'The Cabin in the Woods' fame to write and possibly direct the film. Since Goddard is a genius and a tremendous talent (who is also writing Marvels' 'Daredevil' Netflix series) that's a good start. We have no idea what tone Goddard is shooting for, but he should take a look at Marvel's current ongoing series 'The Superior Foes of Spider-Man,' which follows the current Sinister Six as they attempt to eke out a living as blue-collar and hilariously under-appreciated crooks.

'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' is set to open on May 2, 2014. While 'The Amazing Spider-Man 3' is scheduled to hit June 10, 2016 and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 4' on May 8, 2018, 'The Sinister Six' is still in the early stages of development and is without a release. In the meantime, check out EW's new Spider-Man magazine cover below:

Kevin Lynch/EW
Kevin Lynch/EW
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