Marc Webb to Direct Sony’s Spider-Man Reboot

Everyone was stunned last week when Sony and Sam Raimi parted ways and possibly even more stunned when Sony announced they would reboot the Spider-Man franchise and start fresh in 2012. I was hesitant, especially with the “grim and gritty” notion being tossed around. Raimi did a great job with the first two films. Spider-Man 3 failed after the studio insisted Raimi include Venom.

So what good could come of a studio mandated reboot?

Possibly more then I ever imagined. Sony has announced they’ve signed director Marc Webb. His only feature film is the 2009 indie hit (500) Days of Summer.

It’s definitely a shocking and inspiring move by the studio and monumental step for Webb. So, color me interested in the Spider-Man franchise again. I’m anxious to see what shows up on the screen in 2012.

Here are a few comments from associated parties:

Commenting on the announcement, Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, said, "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. We believe Marc Webb is the perfect choice to bring us on that journey."

Arad and Ziskin added jointly, "Over the years, the Spider-Man comics have been told with bold and creative new writers and artists who have re-calibrated the way audiences see Peter Parker. Marc Webb will do for the new direction of the films what so many visionary storytellers have done with the comic books. He is an incredibly talented filmmaker and we look forward to working closely with him on this new adventure."

Webb said, "This is a dream come true and I couldn’t be more aware of the challenge, responsibility, or opportunity. Sam Raimi’s virtuoso rendering of Spider-Man is a humbling precedent to follow and build upon. The first three films are beloved for good reason. But I think the Spider-Man mythology transcends not only generations but directors as well. I am signing on not to ‘take over’ from Sam. 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."

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, added, "I’m excited that Sony has chosen a director with a real penchant and understanding for the character. This is a brave, bold direction for the franchise, and I can’t wait to see what Marc comes up with next."