Marc Webb To Direct Next Spider-Man Film

JAN 20, 2010 - Columbia and Marvel Studios has announced that Marc Webb, director of (500) Days Of Summer, will helm the next instalment in Sony’s rebooted Spider-Man franchise.

Webb will direct from James Vanderbilt’s screenplay and will work closely with producers Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin to develop the project. Production is scheduled to begin later this year in time for a summer 2012 release.

“At its core, Spider-Man is a small, intimate human story about an everyday teenager that takes place in an epic super-human world,” Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairman Amy Pascal said. “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 (left) is the perfect choice to bring us on that journey.”

“I am signing on not to ‘take over’ from Sam [Raimi],” Webb said. “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.”

Raimi and Tobey Maguire left the franchise last week after Raimi expressed concern that the script would not be ready in time for a May 2011 release. Columbia had the Vanderbilt screenplay ready and moved quickly.

Before directing (500) Days Of Summer, Webb was a music video maker and director.