Marc Webb to direct "Spider-Man" franchise reboot

By Siewaun
Reference: splashpage.mtv

Columbia Pictures and Marvel Entertainment have signed on Marc Webb "(500) Days of Summer" to direct their "Spider-Man" franchise reboot.

The new "Spider-Man," written by James Vanderbilt, centers on a high school-aged Peter Parker coming into his powers. It will be different from Tobey Maguire's high schooler Peter was in 2002's Spider-Man, which means Peter will be portrayed by a different actor.

Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, jointly stated that the studio described the factors that went into the decision: "At its core, Spider-Man is a small, intimate human story about an everyday teenager that takes place in an epic super-human world. The key for us as we sought a new director was to identify filmmakers who could give sharp focus to Peter Parker's life."

"We wanted someone who could capture the awe of being in Peter's shoes so the audience could experience his sense of discovery while giving real heart to the emotion, anxiety, and recklessness of that age and coupling all of that with the adrenaline of Spider-Man's adventure," continued the statement. "We believe Marc Webb is the perfect choice to bring us on that journey."

Webb pointed out that he isn't taking over for Raimi. "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 was quote as saying.

Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin will produce the movie, which will begin shooting later this year, and scheduled for Summer 2012 theatrically release.