I just received the official press release announcing Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) as the director of the next chapter in the Spider-Man franchise, set to hit theaters summer 2012, as it was jointly announced today by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios. Webb is quoted in the release saying:
“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.”
Deadline.com addresses New York Magazine‘s earlier report saying Webb was given the franchise keys and a three-picture deal is inaccurate as much as there is only standard language about sequels in the deal. The release says nothing of sequels and only mentions the one film.
Perhaps quelling some fan concern over a guy who directed a romantic-comedy taking over their beloved comic franchise, Stan Lee was quoted in the release saying, “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.”
Webb is a hot commodity following the break-out success of the Golden Globe-nominated 500 Days of Summer and many fans have been excited at the prospect of him directing because they want Summer star Joseph Gordon-Levitt to play a high school-aged Peter Parker in a more contemporary setting, as a teenager grappling with normal teen problems while also dealing with his superpowers. Considering Levitt is just shy of 29-years-old I’m not sure the “high school-aged” part of that storyline will exactly work out.
Rumor had it Sony wanted to make the now-abandoned Spider-Man 4 for $230 million, which original franchise director Sam Raimi thought was not enough given his ambitions.
The plan now is to release the new film in the summer of 2012 with production expected to begin later this year. This means there will be a five year gap between Spider-Man films after Spider-Man 3 was released in 2007. Hypothetically taking Joseph Gordon-Levitt out of the running, who do you think should play Peter Parker/Spider-Man?
