Spider-Man has his Webb: Director named for ‘Spider-Man 4’

Here’s the press release from Sony:

CULVER CITY, Calif., January , 2010 – Marc Webb, the director of the Golden Globe nominated Best Picture (500) Days of Summer,
 will direct the next chapter in the Spider-Man franchise, set to hit
theaters summer 2012, it was jointly announced today by
Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Written
by James Vanderbilt, Webb will work closely with producers Avi Arad and
Laura Ziskin in developing the project, which will begin production
later this year.

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.”

Added Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, “The idea of
re-imagining the on-screen story for one of the world’s most iconic
superheros is sure to deliver an exciting new dimension to Spider-Man
fans everywhere.  There are volumes of comics and material available to
inspire fresh and compelling takes on Peter Parker and his journey as
Spidey and we look forward to seeing this come alive onscreen.”

Marc Webb has won acclaim with his film debut (500) Days of Summer.
He has several MTV VMAs™ including 2009’s Best Director award for Green
Day’s “21 Guns,” 2006 Best Rock Video for AFI’s “Miss Murder,” and Best
Group Video for The All-American Rejects’ “Move Along.” The Music Video
Production Association honored him in 2006 as the Director of the Year
for his work with Weezer, AAR, and My Chemical Romance.  

In addition to two Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture (musical or comedy), his first feature film, (500) Days of Summer,
starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, has been nominated
for three Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature.  Webb was
also awarded the Spotlight Award, which honors outstanding directorial
debuts, by the National Board of Review.