Here’s a shocking announcement.
After rumors that included Anne Hathaway as the Black Cat and John Malkovich as the Vulture (which was actually ‘confirmed’ earlier today), Sony Pictures has officially announced that all work on Spider-Man 4 has been scrapped.
Further more, Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire have been dropped from the project, ditto Kirsten Dunst, and Sony is now fast tracking a relaunch of the Spider-Man franchise to hit theaters in 2012.
This is a major surprise announcement, especially considering the film was to begin shooting later this year, but given the rumors surrounding the project, I can’t say I’m completely shocked. Word was Raimi was once again battling Sony over control of the picture (he wanted the Vulture, they didn’t), and as history shows, making Raimi do something he has no interest in makes for a bad film. In case you don’t know what I’m referencing – Raimi was “asked” to add Venom to the 3rd Spider-Man film. You can do the rest of the math here.
Honestly though, I’m quite excited for this reboot. Fans everywhere are starting to worry about the “high school” part of the plan, as mentioned in the press release (full text of which is after the cut), but I truly doubt that they’re going to Twilight up the Spider-Man franchise. Sony is too smart for that.
After Spider-Man 3‘s critical (but not financial) failure, I’ve mentioned to darn near anyone who would listen to me (good thing I have a blog now, eh?) that what the franchise truly needed was a James Bond-esq refreshing. Tobey & Kirsten looked bored as hell to be playing Spidey and MJ, and honestly, if Raimi felt so embattled against Sony Pictures, it’s best for all parties if he does leave.
Sure, not every reboot is successful, but I hold out that we could see a JJ Abrams-Trek/Nolan Batman style refresh of the Spider-Man film series that’s better for everyone. And if they go high school? They only need to look at Brian Michael Bendis’ amazing run on Ultimate Spider-Man to find stories to pilfer from.
So who do I think should fill in the tights? Of today’s Hollywood, Anton Yelchin, Joseph-Gordon Levitt, James McAvoy and Jake Gyllenhaal come to mind, but honestly – I want a left field selection. Maybe even Jesse Eisenberg?
Any way you cut it, this could be a very exciting new lease for the Spider-Man movie franchise. Strap in and get ready – it’s going to get interesting.
Source: .
