The news dropped like a bombshell early this morning that Sony Pictures has signed Robert Pattinson (Twilight) to replace Tobey Maguire in the titular role in Spider-Man 4.
In the official press release, Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures and Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, announced that Pattinson would not only be assuming the role of Peter Parker and his alter-ego, Spider-Man, in Spider-Man 4, but also in Spider-Man 5 and in a spin-off film to be announced at a later date.
It is no secret that Pascal has been shopping around for an actor to fill the red-and-blue tights for some time. Only a few months ago, negotiations between Sony and Maguire nearly broke down because of the actor’s reluctance to return to what he described as a “worn-out concept.”
Sam Raimi, the cult film director and mastermind behind the multi-billion dollar Spider-Man franchise, recently blamed the failure of Spider-Man 3 to meet expectations on corporate control interfering with his creative process. Is the Sony Pictures press release another example of the type of control Raimi was referring to or a step toward realizing the director’s vision for the franchise?
When asked to comment
on the press release, Raimi said:
Decisions like these are always difficult. I know the fans liked Tobey — and I greatly enjoyed working with him — but Robert is the future of the franchise.
The press release did not indicate what the spin-off film might be, but recent speculation has focused on Morbius, a mainstay in the Spider-Man comic book mythology. In the comics, Morbius is a “living vampire,” a victim of an ill-fated experimental treatment involving vampire bats and shock therapy.
There has been no word from Tobey Maguire’s representatives.
Movie Info:
Theatrical Release Date: 05/05/2011
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Distributor(s): Sony
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Studios
Genre(s): Action, Drama, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Themes: Heroic Mission
Country of Origin: USA (05-05-2011),USA (05-06-2011),USA – ,USA – IMAX (zz-zz-2011)
Language: English
Status: Coming Soon
January 20, 2010
#1
i hate this news! i both love SPIDER-MAN and TWILIGHT.. i also LOVE TOBEY MAGUIRE as Spidey and ROB PATTISON as Edward.. In respect to ROB Pattison, this change will greatly ruin his IMAGE as EDWARD CULLEN… As i heard this news, i cant hardly imagine a spiderman-vampire…this really SUCKS
July 20, 2010
#2
What a disgrace, they wanted to release it on may 2011 with director Raimi and no further, but yet their release now is on summer 2012 by replacing the cast. Nobody will watch this crap!!!! Sony doesnt give a crap for entertainment they only want to see dollers as soon as possible.