(500) Days director for Spider-Man reboot
(500) Days director for Spider-Man reboot
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 20, Jan 2010 09:30
By Lewis Bazley.
Marc Webb, the director of romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer, is to direct the first film in the new Spider-Man franchise, it has been confirmed.
Webb had been linked with the planned reboot of the comic book character since it was announced Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire were to leave the series having directed and starred in the first three hugely successful films, respectively.
Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios have now confirmed Webb is to take the reins of the new saga, with a new leading man to be cast as the story of Peter Parker's high school days is brought to the screen.
"This is a dream come true and I couldn't be more aware of the challenge, responsibility, or opportunity," said Webb in a statement.
"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 Entertainment co-chairman Amy Pascal added: "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 film-makers who could give sharp focus to Peter Parker's life... We believe Marc Webb is the perfect choice to bring us on that journey."
Producers Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin said in a joint statement: "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 film-maker and we look forward to working closely with him on this new adventure."
The fourth Spider-Man film is due for release in 2012.