Unlike the Caped Crusader, the Friendly Neighborhood Web-Slinger won't be played by another actor ... at least, not anytime soon, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi will team up for at least two more "Spider-Man" franchise movies.
"The studio never considered any other actor. Tobey was our only choice and the only person we've discussed the role with," said Steve Elzer, a spokeman for Columbia Pictures.
Of course, this new agreement is likely to mean an increase in pay for Maguire and Raimi. In order to help pay for this, Columbia is considering shooting the films back-to-back starting in the fall of 2009, reminiscient of how New Line shot "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which filmed simultaneously for 274 days.
Although no formal release date was announced, Laura Ziskin, who will produce with Avi Arad, had said she would like to aim for a May 2011 entry into theaters for "Spider-Man 4," making it nine years after the original movie's debut. Jamie Vanderbilt ("Zodiac") is writing the screenplay.
The a sequel was going to be made was certain due to the fact that "Spider-Man" is Columbia's most successful movie franchise; the first three films have grossed $2.5 billion worldwide.
Maguire may end up being the actor playing a comic-book character the longest in recent film history. Contrast that to Batman, who has been played by Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney and Christian Bale.
Who will Spidey fight next? There is no official word, but there are hundreds of villains to pick from, including Mysterio, the Vulture and the Kingpin.
And who will be Peter Parker's love interest? There is no indication that Mary Jane Watson will be back, although the studio would like Kirsten Dunst to follow Maguire's lead and return to the role.
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About the Author:
Wayne Hall is the former news editor for Airlock Alpha, writing from the Washington, D.C., area. He first joined the site in October 2004 as a staff writer, and wrote the monthly "Wayne's Worlds" column.
