Director Marc Webb Signs On For Three Spider-Man Reboots

(HMG) – Accomplished music-video director Marc Webb has signed on to helm the new Spider-Man film, after the surprising departure of Evil Dead filmmaker Sam Raimi from the blockbuster superhero franchise.

Webb was behind one of 2009′s sleeper hits (500) Days Of Summer, which featured Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who will now likely be on the short list to become the young Spider-Man. The fourth installment will go back to the superhero’s high school years, and already has a script by James Vanderbilt – the screenwriter behind the 2007 hit Zodiac. It is due to begin shooting later this year, with a 2012 release date.

Webb’s background is in music videos and he previously directed promos for Green Day and The All-American Rejects. Webb’s budget on (500) Days, was reportedly under $8 million, while Spider-Man 3 reportedly cost $258 million to make, so this is a huge step up and perhaps a big risk for Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios. But according to The Hollywood Reporter, Webb also has options for two more Spider-Man sequels. The first three films – directed by Raimi – earned a combined $2.5bn at the international box office.

In a statement, Webb insisted he wasn’t taking over from Raimi as “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,” he added.