Don’t worry hardcore Spidey fans, Evan Rachel Wood is not replacing Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane, Peter Parker’s girlfriend. However, according to the actress herself, she’s signed on to play Mary Jane in Spider-Man: The Musical, which begins rehearsals in June, 2009, and will most likely arrive on Broadway before the next big-screen sequel in early 2010.

We’ve known for awhile now that the musical’s director, Julie Taymor, has been championing her Across the Universe stars for the lead roles in the musical. Now that Wood has nabbed the co-lead, will Jim Sturgess play Spidey? According to Wood, who spoke with IESB at a press junket for The Wrestler, they’re “still trying to convince him.” It’s important to note that both Wood and Sturgess have workshopped the musical with Taymor recently, so chances are good both will open the show in New York. Remember, music and lyrics have been provided by U2′s Bono and The Edge — and with two pretty movie stars in the starring roles, this thing could take off. Whaddya think? Will Spidey ruin his superheroic kickass appeal by deciding to belt out a tune or three on Broadway?
- Source: Cinematical

Marilyn Manson seems to be moving with lightning speed, scooping up a new dark-haired galpal just a month after splitting with Evan Rachel Wood.

The pale rocker was seen out and about on Wednesday night with a lovely lady named Isani (who could be a dead ringer for either Dita Von Teese or Evan Rachel), kissing and cuddling with at Louis Bar-Lounge at the Gansevoort South for his Art Basel party in Miami’s South Beach.

The night before going officially public at Louis the lovebirds had a more low key date night at Asia de Cuba in the famed newly opened Mondrian hotel. Marilyn knows how to impress the girl of his dreams, a fellow diner tells OK!, “He even brought his own absinthe!” After a quick dinner Marilyn was seen having cocktails at the Sunset lounge to keep them occupied before heading back to their own hotel and getting a good nights rest.

Don’t expect Evan Rachel to be boo-hooing over her ex’s swift turnabout, however: the 21-year-old actress recently said she’s doing just fine.

“It happens,” The Wrestler star said at the Gotham Independent Film Awards held in NYC Tuesday. “I feel a lot better now than I thought I was going to. It was hard at first, but I’ve kept my chin up and it’s just fun now. I only have to answer to myself, and it’s great.”

Evan Rachel also tossed a hint to OK! that Marilyn might not have been the best boyfriend for a girl to have anyway.

“There have been people I’ve been extremely close to that I’ve had to cut off because I was getting hurt over and over again, and no matter how much I loved them, I couldn’t deal with it,” she told OK!.
- Source: OK! Magazine

Evan Rachel Wood turned to her estranged dad following her split from boyfriend Marilyn Manson and ended a long rift dating back to her childhood.

The 21-year-old actress flew back to her childhood home in North Carolina to spend the recent Thanksgiving holiday with her father Ira.

And the pair got on so well, Wood plans to return for Christmas.

The star, who recently ended her two-year romance with shock rocker Manson, says, “I was separated from my dad for most of my life, but we forgave each other for whatever had happened. It’s huge for me. He’s been the most supportive dad. No matter what has happened, he’s always been there. And especially right now — he’s been so great. He really helped me out.”
- Source: The Daily Dish

Evan was at the 18th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards last night, where she sported a brand new strawberry-blonde hair colour. As a redhead, I love it! Maybe Evan is finally returning to her natural blonde locks? 21 HQ images are in the gallery, more will be added as they appear.

Edit: Just added 25 more HQ images for this event.

Gallery Links
Public Appearances – 2008 – 18th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards