Related Sections: Movies News
Writer hired for Spider-Man 5 and 6
Spider-Man 4 is eyeing a production start early next year, and Sony Pictures has already hired screenwriter James Vanderbilt to draft chapters five and six, Variety reported.
Vanderbilt was the first writer on Spider-Man 4; director Sam Raimi brought on "Rabbit Hole" playwright David Lindsay-Abaire to rewrite him, and Gary Ross is now rewriting that script. Spider-Man 4 is aiming for a May 2011 release.
Here's what the trade paper reported:
Raimi didn't embrace all of Vanderbilt's ideas, but execs at Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios have. Vanderbilt has been hired to pen the fifth and sixth movies, which have an interconnected storyline. That's what was originally discussed when Vanderbilt signed on to write Spider-Man 4, but the idea of shooting a fourth and fifth film back to back with the original cast was scrapped.Sources said it was unclear whether Raimi, Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst will be back. If they aren't, Vanderbilt's script would be the blueprint for a franchise reboot.
After committing to his fourth Spider-Man film, Raimi signed on to direct a new franchise based on the massively multiplayer role-playing online computer game World of Warcraft for Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros.
By Omen at 1:30 AM ON 08/17/09
Reboot?
These suits are the ones who need the boot.
By hulk-lite at 1:41 AM ON 08/17/09
@ Omen
Seriously, right? Why can't Tobey Maguire be Spider-man for the rest of his natural life? Then, when he's dead, we'll cut holes in his arms and legs, shove some strings through them, and dance him around like a Spider-puppet!
Do the same for Kirsten Dunst and you've got the makings of some truly classic "intimate" screen moments.
Corpse of Tobey Maguire for Spider-Man XXVII in 2063!
By Alan at 2:46 AM ON 08/17/09
Even if Maguire can't reprise the role, why reboot the franchise? Just get a new actor for Spidey. It's worked for James Bond for decades.
This reboot thing is getting out of hand!
By Tony at 7:57 AM ON 08/17/09
Only reboot a movie that needs to be rebooted. Batman? yes. these Spidermans? no.
By ozzimandius at 8:33 AM ON 08/17/09
Amen Allen and Tony, there is no need for a reboot, the comic is still going and the things that havnt been introduced yet far exceed the things that could be Redone.
By Feryl at 9:12 AM ON 08/17/09
I honestly think the word reboot was misused in this case. If Tobey can't make it they will get a new actor regardless..but you don't think they would re do the first moive..that would be suicide.
By joesocwork at 9:34 AM ON 08/17/09
I wonder if the writers will still do "does PP/Spiderman and MJ get hooked up or not?" going into numbers five and six? :P
By Captain Untouchable at 11:09 AM ON 08/17/09
The only reason to reboot Spiderman would be if Marvel was taking the reigns, and wanted to factor Spidey into their new interconnected Marvel/Avengers universe; like they're doing with Fantastic Four, apparently.
By suprememango at 1:33 PM ON 08/17/09
After three recent movies, two very good, last one mediocre, a reboot is unnecessary. Just change the actor(s). I don't need to see Spidey becoming Spidey again so soon. Just continue the story.
Batman HAD to be rebooted after the Schumacher debacles. Spidey still has some feet to stand on. Probably not all eight, but... I couldn't resist.
By hermy at 7:36 PM ON 08/17/09
just change the actors..if they don't want to do it.i'm tired of remakes.
By Joe ASAP at 8:33 PM ON 08/17/09
Raimi is awesome. Just let him do his thing & go all out. Avi Arad got in his way with #3 & forced him to include Venom & that character didn't get what he deserved. Good intentions or not.
Does anybody else have trouble entering the 'Captcha' code. i get it right 1/3 of the time.
By MysticFear at 4:40 AM ON 08/18/09
Getting a new actor is what helped kill the first Batman franchise...everyone they got after Keaton was awful as Batman. If you can't get Toby then just move on and leave it.
By hermy at 7:53 PM ON 08/18/09
changing actor's won't hurt if the guy can act and the script is good.even a good actor like clooney couldn't save that piece of crap.as long as the story is good.a good actor can pull it off
Visit mobile.syfy.com/wire on your mobile device.
hermy:
changing actor's won't hurt if the guy can act and the script is good.even a good actor like clooney couldn't save ...More »