Sony and Columbia Pictures have officially chosen "500 Days of Summer" director Marc Webb to direct the next chapter in the “Spider-Man" franchise.
In a joint statement by Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, the studio described the factors that went into the decision: "At its core, Spider-Man is a small, intimate human story about an everyday teenager that takes place in an epic super-human world. The key for us as we sought a new director was to identify filmmakers who could give sharp focus to Peter Parker's life."
"We wanted someone who could capture the awe of being in Peter's shoes so the audience could experience his sense of discovery while giving real heart to the emotion, anxiety, and recklessness of that age and coupling all of that with the adrenaline of Spider-Man's adventure," continued the statement. "We believe Marc Webb is the perfect choice to bring us on that journey."
Producers Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin added, "Over the years, the Spider-Man comics have been told with bold and creative new writers and artists who have re-calibrated the way audiences see Peter Parker. Marc Webb will do for the new direction of the films what so many visionary storytellers have done with the comic books. He is an incredibly talented filmmaker and we look forward to working closely with him on this new adventure."
"The idea of re-imagining the on-screen story for one of the world's most iconic superheros is sure to deliver an exciting new dimension to Spider-Man fans everywhere," added Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. "There are volumes of comics and material available to inspire fresh and compelling takes on Peter Parker and his journey as Spidey and we look forward to seeing this come alive onscreen."
Even “Spider-Man” co-creator Stan Lee voiced his opinion, stating, "I'm excited that Sony has chosen a director with a real penchant and understanding for the character. This is a brave, bold direction for the franchise, and I can't wait to see what Marc comes up with next."
Marc Webb also released this statement:
"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."
This announcement comes after the news that Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire, the director and star who worked on the previous three Spidey films, left the “Spider-Man” franchise. The fourth installment is set for a 2012 release and will focus on a younger version of the superhero.
According to HeatVision, it will cost around $80 million, feature a cast of relative unknowns and be based on the more recent Ultimate Spider-Man comic books.
Sony already had screenwriter James Vanderbilt working on scripts for the next two Spidey films ("Spider-Man 5 & 6") well before Raimi and Sony parted ways. These scripts were planned to be used as a reboot if Raimi and Tobey Maguire didn’t return after "Spider-Man 4." Obviously the studio is very controlling about this franchise and will be using Vanderbilt's script for the new film.
Marc Webb, who has talent for character romance and comedy, is being brought in because he no doubt will do well with the high school love stuff we’ll be seeing in the reboot.
I’m sure Webb will nail the characters, but he has no background in action. Let’s see if he can pull it off with not just character development, but also some superhero antics. The idea is for this film to launch another trilogy and Webb’s contract includes the usual multi-picture option.
Webb will be eager and willing to follow Sony’s master plans since he is still a novice director, but the problem for me is that they are seemingly focusing on re-hashing the origins of Spider-Man, something that’s still fresh in the minds of many fans everywhere who saw Raimi’s "Spider-Man" less than a decade ago.
I was really hoping that the "Spider-Man" reboot would take the route of "The Incredible Hulk" and get right into the story with the protagonist already having powers, not re-play Bruce Banner becoming the Hulk or Peter Parker getting bit by a spider. We all know Parker got bitten by a radioactive/genetically enhanced spider and I’m not interested in seeing that again.
What do you think of Webb spinning his new version of "Spider-Man"?
Sorry....the web and spider puns just fit right in there and you know it.
The next big question on many people's mind is who will play the new Peter Parker/Spider-Man?
Read the full official press release from Sony by clicking here.
