Spider Man 4 to Have a New Director

Marc Webb, director of the film nominated for the Best Picture Golden Globe Award (500) Days of Summer, will direct the next part of the Spider-Man franchise, due to arrive in theatres in the Summer of 2012: "This is a dream come true," stated the director, “I couldn't be more aware of the challenge, responsibility, or opportunity." Elaborating on being chosen, he added, “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.”

Sony aims to give a new dimension to the franchise on the superhero, rebooting his adventures and going back to his first years in high school. The idea is to tell “a small, intimate human story about an everyday teenager that takes place in an epic super-human world.” To do so, the company oriented its search for a new director towards 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,” said the statement from Sony. It concluded, “We believe Marc Webb is the perfect choice to bring us on that journey.”

Filming of the new Spider-Man entry is scheduled to begin towards the end of this year and its premiere in cinemas is planned for the Summer of 2012.