The much talked about Spider-Man 4 that was set for a 2011 release has been stalled in it’s production stages. One of the world’s most successful and money-spinning franchise, the Spider-Man Series is set to be given a reboot for a 2012 release. Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios disclosed today that they are going ahead with James Vanderbilt’s script for a refurbished version of a teenager struggling with concomitant complications as a human being and also the usual flurry of super-hero exigencies.
Produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad, Spider-Man 4 will have a new cast and crew.
“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,” says 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,” was Sam Raimi’s response when he was subjected to a barrage of queries by the press.
“We have had a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration and friendship with Sam and Tobey and they have given us their best for the better part of the last decade. This is a bittersweet moment for us because while it is hard to imagine Spider-Man in anyone else’s hands, I know that this was a day that was inevitable. Now everything begins anew, and that’s got us all tremendously excited about what comes next. Under the continuing supervision of Avi and Laura, we have a clear vision for the future of Spider-Man and can’t wait to share this exciting new direction with audiences in 2012,” said Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures.
Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures was quoted saying, ”Spider-Man will always be an important franchise for Sony Pictures and a fresh start like this is a responsibility that we all take very seriously. We have always believed that story comes first and story guides the direction of these films and as we move onto the next chapter, we will stay true to that principle and will do so with the highest respect for the source material and the fans and moviegoers who deserve nothing but the best when it comes to bringing these stories and characters to life on the big screen.”
With Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire out of the scene, there is an evident fear among Spidey fans about the future of the franchise. Will the new star-cast and film-makers create the same magic that Raimi and Tobey did with the first three parts of the Spidey series? Well, one thing is for sure; whoever is going to play Peter Parker, the mantle is on him. He better be ready for a slap on the wrist with expectations soaring high among fans and critics.
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