Earlier this month Marvel and Columbia Pictures announced they are moving forward with a Spider-Man reboot with a new cast, director, and all-around production team. The script by James Vanderbilt is said to be based off of the Ultimate Spider-Man comics, and will take Spider-Man back to high school where he’ll face typical teenage issues along with super hero level crises.
“A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three ‘Spider-Man’ films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We’re very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter’s roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning,” said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
“Working on the ‘Spider-Man’ movies was the experience of a lifetime for me. While we were looking forward to doing a fourth one together, the studio and Marvel have a unique opportunity to take the franchise in a new direction, and I know they will do a terrific job,” said Sam Raimi.
Earlier today it was announced that Marc Webb, director of the Golden Globe nominated film (500) Days of Summer, will be directing the reboot, and working closely with Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin in developing the new Spider-Man later this year.
“This is a dream come true and I couldn’t be more aware of the challenge, responsibility, or opportunity. Sam Raimi’s virtuoso rendering of Spider-Man is a humbling precedent to follow and build upon. The first three films are beloved for good reason. But I think the Spider-Man mythology transcends not only generations but directors as well. I am signing on not to ‘take over’ from Sam. That would be impossible. Not to mention arrogant. I’m here because there’s an opportunity for ideas, stories, and histories that will add a new dimension, canvas, and creative voice to Spider-Man,” said Webb.
In addition to two Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture for his first feature film, (500) Days of Summer, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, Webb has been nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature. He was also awarded the Spotlight Award, which honors outstanding directorial debuts, by the National Board of Review. He has several MTV VMAs including 2009’s Best Director award for Green Day’s “21 Guns,” 2006 Best Rock Video for AFI’s “Miss Murder,” and Best Group Video for The All-American Rejects’ “Move Along.” The Music Video Production Association honored him in 2006 as the Director of the Year for his work with Weezer, AAR, and My Chemical Romance.
John Malkovich confirmed that he would be playing the Vulture in the fourth Spider-Man film, however, with the decision to reboot the series, there has been no word on if Malkovich will still be playing the role.
There have been no news or rumors on casting except Webb stating that he intends to hire unknowns for the film.
The new Spider-Man is slated to hit theaters in 2012 with production starting later this year.
This is great news, if you ask me. I loved the the first two Rami Spider-Man films, and after the debacle that was Spider-Man 3, I’m all for a Spider-Man reinvention. Maybe this time Marvel will add more cross over potential into the new series like Iron Man and Incredible Hulk. Perhaps Mr. Parker will be web slinging side-by-side with Iron Man and Captain America on the big screen in the Avengers movie.
Sources: Columbia Pictures, Superherohype.com
Andrew Hurst
andrewhurst@hotmail.com
Way too soon for a reboot, in my opinion. Sounds awfully like they just want to make more money. Unless it’s a reboot so they can put him in the Avengers movie…if ~that~ ever gets made….
Strange that he’ll be so young, when they already promised it won’t include another origin story.
I agree with Kris. Although the fellow has good taste in music. 🙂
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I actually think this is a great idea.
Batman has been rebooted and the old ones (well, at least the first two…maybe three) are still classics in their own right.
Tapping into the Ultimate Spidey U gives it a fresh take and puts it totally in line with the Avengers films!!
It does seem too soon for a reeboot Kris and if it’s not going to be an origin story we’ll probably just see flashes of his past during the movie. I think the studio should have givin Raimi the extra year but 2012 was the date stated and they wouldn’t budge. Raimi even stated that he would love to do it but he wouldn’t be able to give them what they wanted by 2012.
The last time he was rushed we got Spiderman 3 which is the low point in the Spidey franchise. I would be all for a continuation with the regular cast (Dunst is optional) but I guess we’ll see what 2012 brings us.